Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 25, 2024, 19:00 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces continue to achieve significant advancements, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Heavy fighting is reported across multiple fronts, with Ukrainian forces facing intense pressure, notably in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides employing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces report successes in repelling attacks and inflicting losses on Russian troops, particularly in the Kursk region. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage reported.

Strategic Analysis

The overall situation appears increasingly challenging for Ukrainian forces. Continued Russian advances, particularly in Kurakhove and Pokrovsk, suggest a concerted effort to achieve a breakthrough in the Donetsk region. The capture of key settlements like Storozheve and the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Makarivka (though officially denied) indicate a shift in the balance of power in the Vremivka direction.

Extensive drone use by both sides highlights the evolving nature of the conflict. Ukrainian forces effectively use drones for reconnaissance and targeted strikes but face troop and ammunition shortages. The reported destruction of Ukrainian reserves in the Sumy region suggests Russia actively targets Ukrainian reinforcements and logistics.

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

The deteriorating humanitarian situation, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, highlights the devastating impact on the Ukrainian population. Massive coordinated missile and drone strikes on Christmas targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.

Changes Brought by New Messages

• Kharkiv: Overnight strikes on Kharkiv using missiles, bombs, and drones damaged energy infrastructure and industrial facilities, killing enemy soldiers. Power outages continue, with approximately 15% of consumers in Kharkiv without electricity. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with heat supply gradually being restored.
• Fundraising for Ukrainian Forces: An urgent fundraising campaign is underway to purchase a vehicle for Ukrainian troops, highlighting the continued need for logistical support. A photograph shows a destroyed pickup truck, emphasizing the dangers faced by Ukrainian forces on the front lines.
• Air Defense Systems: Ukrainian forces reportedly face an increase in artillery shelling in the south, with a one-third increase reported.
• Mirage 2000-5F Training: French military sources confirmed the completion of training for Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel on Mirage 2000-5F aircraft. The six-month training program raises questions about the quality of the training, but the increase in aircraft capable of using Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missiles is a significant development.
• Aviation Accident in Kazakhstan: An Azerbaijani passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The aircraft had undergone its last full technical inspection in October. The black box has been recovered, and an investigation is underway. An 11-year-old Russian girl injured in the crash is in stable but serious condition.
• Moldova: The Russian Foreign Ministry accused NATO of attempting to turn Moldova into a logistics hub for supplying the Ukrainian army and of trying to bring its military infrastructure closer to Russia.
• Diplomatic Efforts: The Iranian Embassy in Ukraine extended Christmas greetings and wished for peace in the New Year, a notable gesture given Iran's ties to Russia.
• War in Gaza Strip: Reports indicate 21 Palestinians killed and 51 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza.
• Toretsk: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk).
• Kremennaya-Terny: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova (Kharkiv Oblast).
• Kursk Region:
  • 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.
  • A Russian soldier was reported missing in action in the Kursk region on December 25th.
  • Drone operators from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
  • The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
  • Explosions were reported in Kyiv-controlled Kherson.
  • Russian forces are clearing Russkoye Porechnoye.
  • Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
  • 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.
  • Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
  • Calculations of the MLRS "Grad" group of troops "North" destroyed strongholds and infantry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
  • 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.
  • Russian forces reportedly liberated Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kamyshovka.
• Vremivka Direction:
  • Russian forces are advancing, with reports of over 800 meters gained.
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Storozheve.
  • 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".
• Chasiv Yar:
  • Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes.
• 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.
• Drone Warfare:
  • Extensive drone warfare continues across the region, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
  • A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used in the zone of special military operation.
  • Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
  • During the night, 4 more UAVs were destroyed and suppressed by electronic warfare in the Millerovsky and Tarasovsky districts of Rostov Oblast. Russian media sources claim that a total of 12 drones were destroyed in Rostov Oblast, as well as an additional drone in Voronezh Oblast.
  • 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.
  • Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FPV of the Third Assault Brigade destroys enemy weapons, shelters, and warehouses in the Kharkiv direction.
  • Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
  • One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
  • A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
  • Explosive strikes were reported in the region.
• Other Key Developments:
  • Russian forces liberated Novyi 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).
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defenses.
  • Heavy fighting continues around several settlements, including Shevchenko, Pischane, and Novotroyitske, with Russian forces making incremental gains.
  • Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
  • Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny, expanding control by up to 400 meters.
  • On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, and Makiyivka.
  • 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.
  • Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district, and took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo.
  • 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.
  • Russian forces are advancing east from Kruglenkogo, capturing 1km of territory.
  • North of Kruhlenky Russian forces dislodged Ukrainian forces for 2 km.
  • Russian forces are pushing along the Gluboky Yar gully, clearing forest areas.
  • One clash occurred near Vovchansk.
  • Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes.
  • Russian forces carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions.
  • 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.
  • Russian forces liberated Lozovaya.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict.
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces lost more than 230 troops and two tanks in the Kursk direction.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Russian troops liberated more than 5 square kilometers of the territory of the DPR and advanced from the settlement of Zarya towards Yasenev, Rogov told TASS.
  • The Russian Council of Ulema of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims revoked the fatwa on polygamy.
  • Almost 4.4 thousand civilians in Russia have been injured since January as a result of attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and almost 800 people, including 50 children, have died.
  • Another 500-kilogram aerial bomb was dropped by a Russian plane onto the Belgorod region. According to ASTRA, the "emergency release" of the FAB-500 occurred on December 21 near the village of Razumnoye-71 in the Belgorod region. There were no casualties or damage. ASTRA editors are aware of at least 163 cases of FAB aerial bombs falling in Russia and in the territories of Ukraine controlled by Russia in 2024. On November 19, a Russian plane dropped a 250-kilogram aerial bomb on a school in the Belgorod region. The UMPB aerial bomb "accidentally descended" on a school in the village of Bykovka in the Yakovlevsky urban district. According to sources, the bomb pierced the roof. As ASTRA previously reported, to counter Ukrainian air defenses, the Russian army began equipping Soviet FAB aerial bombs with UMPC kits. After this update, the FABs are equipped with wings and satellite guidance, allowing the bombs to be launched directly from the territory of the Russian Federation. The Russian army began actively using UMPCs in the spring of this year. And the problem of the updated FABs immediately became apparent - often the bombs simply do not reach Ukraine. On May 4, a Russian plane dropped a FAB-500 on Belgorod, as a result of which 7 people were injured, 31 households and 10 cars were damaged. The authorities hid the reason for the bomb's fall, as well as the fact that it was Russian.
  • US Senator Rand Paul stated that the US authorities spent millions of dollars to support Ukrainian bloggers. Almost 5 million was allocated by Washington to Ukrainian bloggers. "Someone in the State Department considered it a brilliant idea to allocate an additional 4.8 million dollars for an article entitled 'Kyiv, Ukraine, public relations - influencer employees'", Paul was quoted as saying by Responsible Statecraft. "It's strange to see our government spending taxpayers' money on what can be called a pompous selfie festival," the senator noted.
  • Four defendants in the case of supplying low-quality bulletproof vests to the Ministry of Defense in the amount of about 2 billion rubles pleaded guilty, law enforcement officers reported.
  • Criminal cases on failure to fulfill the duties of a "foreign agent" were opened against the editor-in-chief of "Mediazona" Sergei Smirnov and the former editor-in-chief of Republic, the founder of the Yekaterinburg publication It's my City Dmitry Kolezev.
  • NATO Secretary General reportedly asked Zelensky to stop criticizing Scholz over Taurus missiles.
  • The Russian Council of Ulema of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims revoked the fatwa on polygamy.
  • Discussions between US and Ukrainian officials on ending the war.
  • NATO to coordinate military aid to Ukraine.
  • Discussions on sending European troops to Ukraine.
  • Video discussion on the future of Georgia, its sovereignty, traditional values, and the failed Western attempt to organize a coup in the country. Experts discuss the unacceptability of the EU's condition for Georgia to sharply worsen relations with Russia, up to military actions, to join the EU. They also discuss the role of Salome Zurabishvili as a state criminal trying to keep Georgia in the zone of Western influence through illegitimate actions.
  • 87 children were reunited with their relatives in Ukraine, and another 15 children returned to their loved ones in Russia, Lvova-Belova reported in an interview with the Russia-24 channel.
  • The Russian government has banned mining in 10 Russian regions in the North Caucasus, Donbas and Novorossiya. The ban will be in effect until 2031. In a number of districts of the Irkutsk Oblast, Transbaikalia and Buryatia, a ban on mining is introduced during peak energy consumption periods.
  • The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of drones in Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava Oblast, in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to the south-west and west, in Chernihiv Oblast to the west, and new groups in the east of Kharkiv Oblast to the west.
  • In Kherson, the overall situation is discussed, including opinions and data. There are no new troop formations or units, except for the newly created 91st Separate River Boat Brigade, which was planned for spring 2023 but was formed a few months ago. This brigade, along with the 61st Separate Marine Brigade, underwent extensive training in overcoming water obstacles. The composition of units on the other side of the river remains unchanged, including the 205th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, 24th Motorized Rifle Regiment, 10th Separate Special Forces Brigade (GRU), 1218th Motorized Rifle Regiment, 80th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, 144th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, 126th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade, and others. The operational situation on the islands worsened after the withdrawal of marines from Krynky, especially when all marines (35th, 36th, 37th, 38th) were withdrawn. The withdrawal and introduction of other troops were poorly executed, leading to some Russian units approaching positions closer to the right bank in the fall. The enemy is considering actions on the right bank, aiming to create a situation similar to Krynky. The most likely areas for this operation are Kizomys-Velytens'ke, L'vove-Ol'hivka, and Kozats'ke-Vesele. There may be simultaneous distracting actions near the two Antonov bridges. The enemy's priorities are to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk. Any actions in other directions are aimed at preventing the transfer of more troops to the east. Evacuation advice is given, suggesting that elderly people should spend the winter in a safer place if possible. The situation on the right bank is expected to improve slightly. There is no plan to surrender Kherson due to military actions or negotiations.

Updated Situation - December 25, 2024, 19:00 UTC

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. The training of Ukrainian pilots on Mirage 2000-5F aircraft by France marks a significant development, potentially enhancing Ukraine's air capabilities in the coming months. The reported increase in artillery shelling in southern Ukraine and the ongoing drone attacks across multiple regions indicate a continued high level of military activity. Diplomatic efforts and discussions are ongoing, with internal tensions within NATO, warnings from the US State Department regarding Belarus, and new statements from Trump and Pashinyan. The cyberattack on the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice and reports of inadequate burial practices for Russian soldiers add to the complexity of the situation. The reported increase in arms shipments from North Korea to Russia and the potential targeting of Ukrainian call centers reflect the evolving tactics and alliances in the conflict. Air raid alerts across multiple regions signify a persistent and widespread threat, particularly from drones and missiles. The explosion in Abakan and the financial support from the IMF to Ukraine highlight the broader impacts of the conflict. The overall situation suggests a significant escalation in multiple areas, with both sides adapting their strategies and tactics in response to the evolving battlefield dynamics. The conflict's impact on civilians, the extensive use of drone warfare, and the allegations of war crimes highlight the severe and multifaceted nature of the ongoing hostilities. The potential for further escalation, particularly in the southern front, and the involvement of international actors underscore the complex and volatile nature of the conflict. The Ukrainian Navy reports a significant Russian naval presence in the Black Sea, with 4 warships carrying "Kalibr" cruise missiles, capable of launching up to 28 missiles in total. This poses a significant threat to Ukrainian territory. New reports indicate that Russian forces have liberated Zahryzove in the Kharkiv oblast. Russian forces have also made advances on the Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk fronts. A Russian soldier was reported missing in action in the Kursk region on December 25. Drone operators from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region. The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line, and Russian forces are clearing Russkoe Porechnoe and have advanced to Cherkasskoe Porechnoe. The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoe and advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka. Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system, and calculations of the MLRS "Grad" group of troops "North" destroyed strongholds and infantry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.

In the Vremivka direction, Russian forces are advancing, with reports of over 800 meters gained. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Storozheve, and Rogov reported the beginning of battles for the liberation of Neskuchne in DPR, as well as the advance of the Russian Armed Forces "from Storozheve towards the road leading to Huliaipole." In Chasiv Yar, Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes.

In Pokrovsk, aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade, and a Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid. "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.

Extensive drone warfare continues across the region, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used in the zone of special military operation. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk. During the night, 4 more UAVs were destroyed and suppressed by electronic warfare in the Millerovsky and Tarasovsky districts of Rostov Oblast. 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, and 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, and 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, and the Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.

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, and 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, and 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 and 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. Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire, and 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. The FPV of the Third Assault Brigade destroys enemy weapons, shelters, and warehouses in the Kharkiv direction.

Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud, and 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). The Russian Ministry of Defense also reported that the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defenses. Heavy fighting continues around several settlements, including Shevchenko, Pischane, and Novotroyitske, with Russian forces making incremental gains. Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.

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. 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. An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny, and Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny, expanding control by up to 400 meters. On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, and Makiyivka. 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. Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district, and took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo. 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. Russian forces are advancing east from Kruglenkogo, capturing 1km of territory, and north of Kruhlenky Russian forces dislodged Ukrainian forces for 2 km. Russian forces are pushing along the Gluboky Yar gully, clearing forest areas.

One clash occurred near Vovchansk, and Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes. Russian forces carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions, and 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. 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. On the Kupyansk direction, four enemy attacks took place during the day, and the Defense Forces repelled the enemy's assault actions near Petropavlivka and Kruhlyakivka.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces lost more than 230 troops and two tanks in the Kursk direction, and 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. The Ministry of Defense also reported 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 several locations, and three counterattacks by enemy assault groups were repelled. As a result of air strikes and artillery fire, Ukrainian manpower and equipment were destroyed near several locations. Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area, with 32 combat clashes, 19 in Kursk region. Ukrainian forces repelled 42 Russian assaults, 19 as of 16:00 UTC.

Russian troops liberated more than 5 square kilometers of the territory of the DPR and advanced from the settlement of Zarya towards Yasenev. Almost 4.4 thousand civilians in Russia have been injured since January as a result of attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and almost 800 people, including 50 children, have died. Another 500-kilogram aerial bomb was dropped by a Russian plane onto the Belgorod region, and there were no casualties or damage. US Senator Rand Paul stated that the US authorities spent millions of dollars to support Ukrainian bloggers, and four defendants in the case of supplying low-quality bulletproof vests to the Ministry of Defense in the amount of about 2 billion rubles pleaded guilty. Criminal cases on failure to fulfill the duties of a "foreign agent" were opened against the editor-in-chief of "Mediazona" Sergei Smirnov and the former editor-in-chief of Republic, the founder of the Yekaterinburg publication It's my City Dmitry Kolezev.

NATO Secretary General reportedly asked Zelensky to stop criticizing Scholz over Taurus missiles, and there were discussions between US and Ukrainian officials on ending the war. NATO will coordinate military aid to Ukraine, and there were discussions on sending European troops to Ukraine. A video discussion on the future of Georgia, its sovereignty,