Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 25, 2024, 20:41 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. Massive coordinated missile and drone strikes on Christmas targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.

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 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. 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.

Key Developments

Kharkiv: Overnight strikes on Kharkiv using missiles, bombs, and drones damaged energy infrastructure and industrial facilities. 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.
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.
Aviation Accident in Kazakhstan: An Azerbaijani passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The aircraft had undergone its last full technical inspection in October.
Moldova: The Russian Foreign Ministry accused NATO of attempting to turn Moldova into a logistics hub for supplying the Ukrainian army.
Diplomatic Efforts: The Iranian Embassy in Ukraine extended Christmas greetings and wished for peace in the New Year.
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). Russian forces are advancing near Dzerzhinsk, with fighting ongoing in the center of the town.
Kremennaya-Terny: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova (Kharkiv Oblast). Russian forces advanced in Terny.
Kursk Region:
- Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the 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.
- 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.
- Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka, advancing up to 1200 meters near Nikolaevo-Daryino, Leonidovo, Russkaya Porechnaya, and Kurilovka.
- South of Kruhlenky, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka, clearing a forest belt and gaining 1.6 km. They are also advancing towards Leonidove.
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.
- Russian forces are reportedly attacking Velyka Novosilka from both sides.
- Russian forces are processing the approaches to Neskuchne.
- Occupation authorities in Huliaipole are concerned about the situation, with rumors of a potential Russian offensive.
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 reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two.
- "Birds of Magyar" attacked Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area.
- 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" 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.
- 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 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.
- Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
- Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.
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.
- Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
- An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
- Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny.
- 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.
- 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.
- US Senator Rand Paul stated that the US authorities spent millions of dollars to support Ukrainian bloggers.
- 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.
- 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.
- 87 children were reunited with their relatives in Ukraine, and another 15 children returned to their loved ones in Russia, Lvova-Belova reported.
- The Russian government has banned mining in 10 Russian regions in the North Caucasus, Donbas and Novorossiya.
- 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.
- Explosions were heard in Pavlohrad.
- Residents of Nizhyn (Chernihiv region) are advised to take shelter due to the threat of an enemy drone.
- Drone movement has been detected in the Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions, specifically near Nizhyn.
- Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Propaganda and Information Warfare:
- An exhibition of Nizhny Novgorod artists opened in the Russian House in Beijing.
- The "Operation Z" Telegram channel is collecting funds for 70 Mavic 3 drones for the front.
- The "NKB Smersh" organization is involved in detaining individuals for discrediting the Russian army.
- The Telegram channel "ЗаТелеком" reported that YouTube is de facto blocked in Russia.
- The Russian TV channel "Russia 1" censored flags of the Russian Empire with the image of Christ in a report about a performance for participants of the "special military operation" in occupied Luhansk.
- A video discussion on the future of Georgia, its sovereignty, traditional values, and the failed Western attempt to organize a coup in the country was shared.
- Russian media is attempting to downplay the drone attack on Chechnya following the plane crash in Kazakhstan.
- A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
- A video surfaced showing an Italian volunteer fighter who has been fighting in the DPR since 2014 and has now received Russian citizenship.
- The Russian TV channel "Russia 1" censored flags of the Russian Empire and an image of Jesus Christ during a report on a performance for participants of the "special military operation" in occupied Luhansk.
- The "NKB Smersh" organization posted a video showing the detention and interrogation of a woman accused of discrediting the Russian army on social media.
- A video was shared showing a staged scene with two figures, one dressed as a protector and the other as a grim reaper, symbolizing the conflict and likely serving as propaganda.
- The Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff shared a Hanukkah greeting.
- Ukrainian forces shared images of soldiers celebrating Christmas.
- Azerbaijan has suspended all flights to Grozny and Makhachkala.
- 27th brigade destroys infantry and firing points of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, advancing near Kupyansk.
- Russian TV channel "Russia 1" censored the flag of the Russian Empire and Jesus Christ.
- There is a fundraising campaign for electronic warfare (EW) systems.
- Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
- The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine congratulates all servicemen and women of the Ukrainian army who are adherents of Judaism, as well as all colleagues from the Armed Forces of the State of Israel, on the occasion of the beginning of the Hanukkah holiday.
A video surfaced showing an Italian volunteer fighter who has been fighting in the DPR since 2014 and has now received Russian citizenship.
The Russian TV channel "Russia 1" censored flags of the Russian Empire and an image of Jesus Christ during a report on a performance for participants of the "special military operation" in occupied Luhansk. This censorship has sparked criticism and debate.
The "NKB Smersh" organization posted a video showing the detention and interrogation of a woman accused of discrediting the Russian army on social media. The video includes a forced confession and is intended to deter others from similar acts.
A video was shared showing a staged scene with two figures, one dressed as a protector and the other as a grim reaper, symbolizing the conflict and likely serving as propaganda.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff shared a Hanukkah greeting, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, mutual respect, and solidarity.
Ukrainian forces shared images of soldiers celebrating Christmas, emphasizing morale and resilience.
Azerbaijan has suspended all flights to Grozny and Makhachkala. Despite the obviousness of the plane being hit by a surface-to-air missile, the Russians maintain that birds are to blame. President Aliyev did not comment on the disaster. Today he was in St. Petersburg at the "CIS summit" and immediately left it.
27th brigade destroys infantry and firing points of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, advancing near Kupyansk. In the Kharkiv region, our fighters are attacking firing points, positions, dugouts and personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, destroying and smoking them out of their holes.
Russian TV channel "Russia 1" censored the flag of the Russian Empire and Jesus Christ. The reason is unclear, possibly a policy of the TV channel or an error of a specific employee. There is speculation about whether the historical flag of Russia is banned and if displaying it is considered terrorism or extremism. The censorship of Jesus is seen as an insult to Christians. The lack of clarity on this issue is criticized, and there is a call for professionalism on federal channels.
There is a fundraising campaign for electronic warfare (EW) systems. It is necessary to equip the vehicles of assault groups with EW systems. EW complex - 3 pieces. Required: 1,200,000 rubles.
Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine congratulates all servicemen and women of the Ukrainian army who are adherents of Judaism, as well as all colleagues from the Armed Forces of the State of Israel, on the occasion of the beginning of the Hanukkah holiday. They emphasize the importance of tolerance, mutual respect, and solidarity between peoples.
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 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

Updated Situation - December 25, 2024, 20:41 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 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.

Changes Brought by New Messages

Russia and Iran are planning to sign a strategic cooperation agreement, potentially before a possible Trump inauguration. This move indicates an attempt by both nations to consolidate their alliance amid increasing geopolitical isolation.
A Ukrainian drone with a corner reflector, designed to mimic larger objects and deceive air defense systems, traveled from Chernihiv to Uzhhorod and entered Hungarian airspace. This was described as a "gift" to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán from Putin.
Zelensky is reportedly planning to replace the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeev, with the current ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniychuk, according to sources from RBC-Ukraine.
Demining of the Donetsk airport will begin in 2025, according to Pushilin. Authorities in the DPR will survey the facility for future restoration.
Reports of discussions on possible financial settlements with Aliyev and Kadyrov, and payments to Kazakhs to influence an investigation into a plane crash.
A video shows a soldier with the Ukrainian trident emblem involved in a heated confrontation with civilians, highlighting potential issues with military conduct and civilian relations.
Another video depicts a taxi driver in Moscow using inflammatory language and telling another driver to "go fight in Ukraine," reflecting social tensions related to the conflict.
A video shows the aftermath of an attack on Russian military personnel who were reportedly lured by fake volunteers offering humanitarian aid.
A destroyed Ukrainian M1165 HMMWV was filmed near Bohoyavlenka, indicating continued fighting in the area.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported liberating Novy Trud in the Donetsk People's Republic and claimed significant Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region.
Two ships were reportedly near a damaged power transmission line in Finland, with speculation about possible sabotage, according to Aftonbladet.
An image and text highlight the story of Gareth Jones, a British reporter who exposed the Holodomor in the 1930s, drawing parallels to current issues of information suppression and the importance of reporting on atrocities.
New reports on drone activity across multiple regions in Ukraine:
- Chernihiv Oblast: Drones are moving south-west and south-east in the north, and south-west in the south (towards Poltava Oblast).
- Poltava Oblast: Drones are moving west in the north (towards Cherkasy Oblast).
- Kirovohrad Oblast: Drones are moving east (towards Dnipro).
- Sumy Oblast: Drones are moving towards Poltava Oblast from the south-east.
Russian forces, specifically the 16th Special Forces Brigade, reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian mortar with an FPV drone.
Video shows the aftermath of a plane crash in an arid field, with emergency responders present. A passenger claims survival due to divine intervention, while speculation arises about potential financial influence on the investigation.
Ukrainian forces continue to use drones effectively, targeting enemy positions and equipment. A video from the 2nd Battalion of the 25th Brigade showcases successful drone operations.
An image allegedly depicts the aftermath of a plane crash in Kazakhstan, with claims that the plane was shot down by the "Akhmat" unit. This claim should be treated with caution and requires further verification.

Updated Situation - December 25, 2024, 21:11 UTC

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic and volatile, with significant developments on multiple fronts. Russian forces are making notable advances, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions, while Ukrainian forces are heavily reliant on drone warfare to counter Russian movements and target infrastructure.

In the Donetsk region, the capture of Storozheve and the ongoing assault on Kurakhove demonstrate a clear offensive push by Russian forces. The situation in Pokrovsk is also critical, with Russian troops reportedly entering Pisky and advancing towards Ukrainka. Ukrainian forces are facing immense pressure and are employing FPV drones effectively but are challenged by troop shortages and ammunition supply issues.

The Kursk region has become a major area of concern, with reports of heavy fighting, significant Russian advances, and the alleged involvement of North Korean troops. The reported use of HIMARS by Ukrainian forces against North Korean special forces indicates a potential escalation. Russian forces have reportedly liberated several settlements in the Kursk region, including Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kamyshovka.

Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature of the conflict, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces have reported successful drone strikes on Russian positions, equipment, and even a command post at the Lgov sugar factory. However, Russian forces are also employing drones effectively, targeting Ukrainian positions and equipment. Reports indicate that Russia and Iran are planning to sign a strategic cooperation agreement, potentially before a possible Trump inauguration, signaling an attempt by both nations to consolidate their alliance amid increasing geopolitical isolation.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure reported across multiple regions. The reported war crimes, including the execution of Ukrainian POWs, underscore the brutality of the conflict. The involvement of North Korean troops, if confirmed, adds another layer of complexity and raises concerns about the potential for further escalation.

Diplomatic efforts and discussions are ongoing, with internal tensions within NATO and new statements from Trump and Pashinyan. The cyberattack on the Ukrainian