Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 25, 2024, 17:43 UTC

Massive Coordinated Missile and Drone Strikes Across Ukraine

Over 70 missiles and 100+ drones targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure on Christmas, causing widespread power outages. President Zelensky condemned the attacks for their timing on Christmas.
Tu-95MS aircraft activity from "Olenya" and Engels airfields, with multiple cruise missile launches confirmed. "Kalibr" missile launches from the Black Sea. Specific missile movements tracked across multiple regions, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, and Ivano-Frankivsk.
Active alerts in Kyiv, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, and Kirovohrad regions. High-speed target reported heading towards Dnipro.
Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.

Donetsk Oblast

Kurakhove

Russian Forces Advance: Control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, clearing high-rise buildings and the private sector. They have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and are advancing towards Yantarnoye. Russian forces started battles for Yantarnoye, reportedly breaking through and completing the assault on Kurakhove.
Ukrainian Withdrawal: Reports indicate Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from Kurakhove.
Logistics Disrupted: A bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka was destroyed, degrading Ukrainian logistics. A power substation near Dachne was also struck.
Intense Clashes: Ongoing near Kurakhove, Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, Kostyantynopil, and Andriivka.
Western Advance: Russian forces are advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko and have taken several AFU positions in Kurakhovo, in the area of Dachne, west of Dalne, Yantarne, north of Ostrovske, in the direction of Konstantinople and Ulakla, Rozlyv.
Southern Advance: South of Kurakhove, an advance of 1 km west of Dalne and expulsion of Ukrainian forces from nearby forest belts.
Krasnohorivka Attacks: South and north of Krasnohorivka, a 1.7 km advance and attacks on Petropavlivka.
Expansion of Control: Russian forces have expanded their control around Kurakhove, including near Shevchenko and south towards Dalne.
Forest Belt Occupations: South of Zelenivka, Russian units occupied several forest belts (2.5 km wide, 1.2 km deep).
Elizavetovka Liberation: The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment liberated Elizavetovka.
Sontsovka Renamed: Sontsovka has been renamed Krasnoye.
Offensive Towards Dimitrov: Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
Aerial Attacks: Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations, including Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, Velyka Novosilka.
Guided Bomb Launches: Launches of guided air bombs against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
POW Capture: Russian forces, having liberated Novopustynka, repelled multiple enemy attempts to retake the village and captured 10 Ukrainian soldiers.
Shevchenko: In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna. 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation there.
Other Battles: Ongoing battles near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk.
Positional fighting reported in the Kurakhove-Dalnee area. Russian forces advanced more than 1km from Dalnee and took up new positions west of the settlement.
Drone Warfare: Extensive use of drones by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian drone operators are targeting Russian positions and personnel in the Kurakhove direction. Video evidence shows Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian observation posts, soldiers, and positions. Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.

Vremivka Direction

Territorial Gains: Russian forces captured Storozheve, forming a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka, and liberated Uspenovka and Novyi Komar.
Encirclement at Makarivka: Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Makarivka, though this is officially denied by Ukrainian authorities on December 25th.
Clashes: Ongoing near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka.
Advance Towards Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are advancing, with reports of over 800 meters gained.
Bridge Destruction: A bridge over the Mokri Yaly river was destroyed, disrupting Ukrainian logistics.
Makarivka Liberation: Reports of Makarivka's liberation on December 16th and control gained over the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
Novyi Komar Flag: Russian forces raised a flag in Novyi Komar, with Ukrainian forces remaining to the southwest.
Attacks Near Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve: Russian forces achieved success in Novyi Komar and launched attacks near Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve.
Active Combat: Near Velyka Novosilka.
Blahodatne Cleanup: An attack in Blahodatne resulted in a cleanup of Ukrainian positions in the northern part.
Road to Huliaipole: Near Velyka Novosilka, Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
Uspenivka Pocket Withdrawal: Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
Storozheve Confirmation: The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Storozheve.
Neskuchne: Rogov reported the beginning of battles for the liberation of Neskuchne in DPR. He also reported the advance of the Russian Armed Forces "from Storozheve towards the road leading to Huliaipole".

Toretsk

Street Fighting: Continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. They captured two objects on the outskirts of the "Central" mine spoil heap and made gains in the Khomkolonka microdistrict.
Clashes: Ongoing near Toretsk, Dyliyivka, Dachne, Bila Hora, and Scherbynivka.
Advance Behind New York: Russian forces are advancing behind New York, having taken the center of Shcherbinovka.
Toretsk Divided: Street fighting has persisted for two months, dividing Toretsk in half.
Khomkolonka Advance: Russian forces advanced in the Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk.
Mine Spoil Heap Capture: In Toretsk, in the southern part of the "Central" mine, Russian fighters captured two objects located on the outskirts of the spoil heap.
Advance Towards Small Mine No. 10: Russian forces advanced towards the small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk.
Khimkolonka Gains: Russian assault troops advanced 500 meters to the west in the Khimkolonka area and occupied new positions in the private sector.
FPV Drone Usage: Active use of FPV Drones by Russian forces in Toretsk, targeting enemy firing positions.
Civilian Evacuation: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk).
Zabalka District Attacks: Russian forces continue attacks in the southern part of the Забалка (Kulatsky Khutor) district, in the direction of Koksovaya Street (through the passage between the spoil tips), along Svetlaya Street, and in the direction of the Toretskaya mine.
Ukrainian Command Post Destruction: A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed. Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.

Chasiv Yar

Control and Regrouping: Russian forces control over half of the city. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further advances.
Fire-Resistant Compound: Russian forces retook positions at the fire-resistant compound, partially dislodging Ukrainian forces.
Clashes: Reported near Stupochky and Predtechyne.
Ukrainian Retake: Ukrainian forces have retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound. There are currently about 150 Ukrainian soldiers at the plant.
Partial Dislodgement: Fighting in Chasov Yar: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound.
Paratrooper Action: Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes.
Continued Fighting: Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound.

Pokrovsk

Advance Towards Ukrainka: Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka, reportedly entering Pisky.
Novooleenovka and Slavyanka: Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka.
High-Intensity Battles: Ongoing near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske, Novyy Trud, Novotroyitske, Novoyelyzavetivka, Novoolenivka, Novopustynka, and Vozdvyzhenka.
Pushkino Advance: Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reaching its outskirts and liberating Veselyi Gai.
Krasnoarmiisk Attacks: Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk.
Highway M-30 Positions: Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
Lysivka Advance: Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka.
Novyi Trud Liberation: Russian forces liberated the settlement of Novyi Trud.
Novooleenovka Storming: Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka from the north and east, and have advanced west of Zarya to a depth of 500 meters in the direction of Slavyanka. This is not only a movement towards Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) but also an advance towards the enemy's Yasenevoe-Konstantinopol road, which should finally deprive the Ukrainian Armed Forces of the ability to maneuver northwest of Kurakhovo.
Attack from Dachenske: Russian forces are developing success from the southwest, attacking from the side of Dachenske.
Drone Warfare: Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk. Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the Pokrovsk direction. "Birds of Magyar" attacked Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area, including the destruction of a motorcycle with Russian military personnel on it. The "Baltic Group" of the 59th Motorized Brigade used drones to target and destroy a Russian BMP, 5 soldiers, a motorcycle, and a pickup truck.
Canadian "Roshel Senator" Damaged: Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction.

Other Key Developments in Donetsk Oblast

Guided Aerial Bombs: Launched in the southern part of the region.
POW Shooting Footage: The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs. The video shows Ukrainian troops surrendering to Russian forces.
Colombian Mercenaries Liquidated: Reports of Russian forces liquidating a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the LPR.
Casualties Inflicted by "Center" Group: The "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
War Crime Investigation: Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers executed after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
Novoocheretuvate Crossing Destroyed: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
Ukrainian Repel near Novoocheretuvate: Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Novoocheretuvate involving 5 units of equipment.
Tactical Position Improvement: Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses (145 soldiers in 24 hours).
Ostrovskoe Abuse Reports: Residents of Ostrovskoe reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
Kurakhovskaya TPP Strike: Russian forces successfully targeted a Ukrainian YPR-765 armored personnel carrier near the Kurakhovskaya TPP.
Pokrovskoe Mine Defense: Ukrainian forces are preparing the Pokrovskoe mine for defense.
Novyi Trud Liberation by MoD: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud in the DPR.
Ukrainian Troop Losses: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Ukrainian forces lost up to 245 troops in the area of responsibility of the "South" group of forces.
MoD Report on Novy Trud: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that as a result of decisive offensive actions, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units liberated Novy Trud (Donetsk People's Republic).
MoD Report on Vostok Group: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defenses.
Veselyi Gai Liberation: On December 25th, Russian sources claimed further advances towards Dimitrov and the liberation of Veselyi Gai.
Heavy Fighting: Heavy fighting continues around several settlements, including Shevchenko, Pischane, and Novotroyitske, with Russian forces making incremental gains.
Uspenovka Liberation Completed: The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed, its capture completed the work of the Russian Army to clean up the "pocket" in which several villages were located along the Sukhiye Yaly River.
Ukrainian Soldier Execution: On the Donetsk front, there are reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering. This incident is under investigation as a potential war crime.
Drone Warfare: Extensive drone warfare continues across the region, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week, intercepting 138 enemy UAVs in the Donetsk and Makeevka regions.

Kremennaya-Terny

Active Combat: Ongoing near Kremennaya.
Terny Advance: Russian forces are advancing in Terny, expanding control towards Borova.
Reserves to Lozova: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova (Kharkiv Oblast).
Storming Zahryzove: Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova. They are also making progress from Pervomaiske towards Cheneshchyna.
Terny Attack: An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
Central Terny Advance: Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny, expanding control by up to 400 meters.
Liman Axis Attacks: On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, and Makiyivka.
Map Analysis (December 23rd): Detailed the military situation in the Svatove direction, highlighting contested areas and fortifications. The map shows that Russian forces are pushing westward in the Svatove direction, having recently gained ground in several areas. Ukrainian forces are concentrated in defensive positions to the west of the Russian controlled territory. The proximity of forces along the front line suggests an ongoing and potentially intense conflict. The presence of fortifications indicates the likelihood of positional warfare in this area.

Kursk Region

Territorial Gains: Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka. Advances were made in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Ukrainian Reserves Destroyed: Ukrainian reserves transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Heavy Fighting: Continues along the front line, particularly in Kursk (57 clashes).
Ka-52M Helicopter Action: Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area. A video shows the crew of a Ka-52M helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.
Paratrooper Advance: Paratroopers of the 76th division are storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
HIMARS Strike and Alleged Civilian Deaths: Ukrainian forces reportedly used HIMARS with cluster munitions against North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, causing heavy losses. A later report states that Ukrainian forces struck Lgov, resulting in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to five others. The attack damaged residential buildings, a gas pipeline, and other civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military claims the target was a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade, but Russian sources dispute this. Three women were killed in the attack, and at least six rockets fell on the streets of the city. A penal colony with captured Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers is located in Lgov, and they could have been the target of the attack.
"Sever" Group Battles: The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Kruhlenke and Cherkasskaya Konopelka Advances: Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and making progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Ukrainian Losses: Over 300 troops, two tanks (including one U.S.-made Abrams), three IFVs (including one U.S.-made Bradley, one German-made Marder, and one Swedish-made CV-90), three AFVs (including one U.S.-made Stryker and two M113s), three armored fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, four mortars, one U.S.-made M88 ARV, and eight motor vehicles were reported lost by Ukrainian forces.
Active Combat Near Sudzha: Russian forces are attacking towards Viktorivka, advancing up to 2 km.
Allegations of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians. Another reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary. A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers.
Corruption: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during fortification construction.
Casualties: Over 3,000 wounded and killed North Korean soldiers were reported in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian Defense: Ukrainian defenders repelled 46 enemy attacks, with 374 artillery strikes (9 from MLRS).
Paratrooper Advance: Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment from Feodosia liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district.
Airstrikes: Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
Captured Soldier's Account: A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops, describing them as ruthless and operating independently.
Russian Military Claims: Russian sources claim advances near Kamyshovka and Russkoye Porechnoye.
Continued Shelling: Explosions were reported in Kyiv-controlled Kherson.
Alleged Terrorist Plot Foiled: FSB reportedly prevented a terrorist attack in the Moscow region targeting a defense industry executive. Seven individuals were detained, including three minors. The attack was allegedly coordinated by Ukrainian special services.
Ukrainian Troop and Tank Losses: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces lost more than 230 troops and two tanks in the Kursk direction.
AFU Losses Since Start of Hostilities: Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 43,740 troops, 255 tanks, 194 infantry fighting vehicles, 136 armored personnel carriers, 1,318 armored fighting vehicles, 1,182 motor vehicles, 324 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 80 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 28 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, seven armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.
Kruhlenke Advance: South of Kruhlenke, Russian forces advanced 1.6 km towards Viktorivka and cleared a forest belt. They are also attacking Leonidovo from the west.
Missing Russian Soldier: On December 25th, a Russian soldier was reported missing in action in the Kursk region.
Heavy Fighting Continues: Reports of drone attacks and artillery strikes by both sides.
Novoyvanovka and Dvurechnaya: Russian forces established control over positions east of Novoyvanovka and were noted to be present on the western bank of the Oskol River in Dvurechnaya on the Kupyansk front.
Daryino and Novoivanovka Liberation: Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district, and took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo.
Nechaev Attack: Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions west of Nechaev in the direction of Russkogo Porechnogo using large infantry units, resulting in Ukrainian forces losing their strongholds in the forest belt.
Kruglenkogo Advance: Russian forces are advancing east from Kruglenkogo, capturing 1km of territory.
North of Kruhlenky Advance: Russian forces dislodged Ukrainian forces for 2 km.
Gluboky Yar Gully Push: Russian forces are pushing along the Gluboky Yar gully, clearing forest areas.
Russkoye Porechnoye Clearing: Russian forces are clearing Russkoye Porechnoye.
Cherkasskoye Porechnoye Advance: Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
Offensive on Kursk Front: The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoye, advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka. Marines, paratroopers, and infantry of the "North" group are attacking from all directions.
Ministry of Defense Report: The Ministry of Defense reports that Russian troops defeated formations of 5 mechanized, 3 airborne assault brigades, a marine brigade, and 4 territorial defense brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Aleksandria, Viktorovka, Kositsa, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Nikolaevka, Nikolaevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Counterattacks Repelled: Three counterattacks by enemy assault groups were repelled. As a result of air strikes and artillery fire, Ukrainian manpower and equipment were destroyed near Guyevo, Kruglenkoye, Melovoy, Nikolsky, and Staraya Sorochina, as well as Basovka, Belovody, Vodolagi, and Zhuravka in the Sumy region.
"Malka" Artillery System Strike: Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
MLRS "Grad" Strikes: Calculations of the MLRS "Grad" group of troops "North" destroyed strongholds and infantry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area. 32 combat clashes, 19 in Kursk region. Ukrainian forces repelled 42 Russian assaults, 19 as of 16:00 UTC.
Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. Drone operators from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region. Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region. Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border. Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory. Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha. Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region. Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region. Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
UAV Threat: Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones in Poltava in the direction of the city from the north. A new group of hostile strike UAVs are entering the airspace of Sumy Oblast from Kursk.

Kharkiv Region

Storming of Kozacha Lopan, Vysokaya Yaruga and Vovchansk: In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy unsuccessfully stormed the positions of our units six times in the areas of Kozacha Lopan, Vysokaya Yaruga and Vovchansk.
Kupyansk Direction: On the Kupyansk direction, four enemy attacks took place during the day. The Defense Forces repelled the enemy's assault actions near Petropavlivka and Kruhlyakivka.
Reserves to Lozova: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
Lozovaya Liberated: Russian forces liberated Lozovaya.
Kupyansk Assault Repelled: Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
Tank Destruction: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
Casualties in Kupiansk: One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
Civilian Hit by Drone: A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
Explosive Strikes: Explosive strikes reported in the region.
Clash near Vovchansk: One clash occurred near Vovchansk.
Airstrikes and Drone Strikes: Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes.
Shellings: Russian forces carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions.
Ukrainian Inflicted Losses: Ukrainian forces inflicted losses on Russian forces, including 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.
Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire. Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk. In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones. Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region. A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction. A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region. Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv. Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk. Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area. Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest. Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade, operating heavy night bombers, are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.

Other Key Developments

Dire Humanitarian Situation: Civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure reported.
Drone Warfare: Extensive drone activity reported, with Ukrainian air defenses shooting down multiple drones.
Street Fighting in Toretsk and Chasiv Yar: Russian forces consolidating control and making advances. Ukrainian forces regrouping in Chasiv Yar.
Advances in Pokrovsk and Kurakhove: Russian forces advancing towards Ukrainka, entering Pisky, and storming Novooleenovka.
Other Key Developments: Reports of POW shootings, mercenary unit liquidations, war crime investigations, and tactical position improvements by Russian forces.
Kremennaya-Terny: Active combat with Russian advances in Terny and towards Borova. Kyiv transferring reserves to Lozova.
North Korean Involvement: Increasingly reported, with alleged heavy losses among North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces.

Analysis of the Military Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic and volatile. Russian forces are making significant advances in multiple directions, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. The capture of Storozheve and the ongoing assault on Kurakhove demonstrate a clear offensive push by Russian forces. Ukrainian forces are facing immense pressure and are heavily reliant on drone warfare to counter Russian movements and target infrastructure.

The extensive use of drones by both sides highlights the evolving nature of the conflict, with drone warfare becoming increasingly central to tactical and strategic operations. The reported use of HIMARS by Ukrainian forces against North Korean special forces in the Kursk region indicates a potential escalation and the involvement of foreign fighters.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure reported across multiple regions. The massive coordinated missile and drone strikes on Christmas targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and demonstrate Russia's intent to cripple Ukraine's infrastructure and demoralize its population.

The reported war crimes, including the execution of Ukrainian POWs, underscore the brutality of the conflict and the need for international investigation and accountability. The involvement of North Korean troops, if confirmed, adds another layer of complexity to the conflict and raises concerns about the potential for further escalation.

Ukrainian forces are employing FPV drones effectively but are facing challenges due to troop shortages and ammunition supply issues. The continued reliance on Western military aid remains critical for Ukraine's ability to sustain its defense efforts.

The situation in the Kursk region is particularly concerning, with reports of heavy fighting, significant Russian advances, and the alleged involvement of North Korean troops. The reported destruction of Ukrainian reserves in the Sumy region suggests that Russia is actively targeting Ukrainian reinforcements and logistics.

Overall, the military situation in Ukraine is characterized by intense fighting, significant Russian advances, extensive use of drone warfare, and a dire humanitarian situation. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the conflict and the ability of Ukrainian forces to withstand the Russian offensive.

Situation Report