Updated Situation Report - December 26, 2024, 01:41 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces maintain significant advancements, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Intense fighting is reported across multiple fronts, with Ukrainian forces under pressure in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides using drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces report successes in repelling attacks and inflicting losses on Russian troops, especially in the Kursk region, showcasing a successful ambush using intelligence gathered through internet surveillance and a humanitarian aid ruse. They also report a successful operation in the Kharkiv region, capturing Russian soldiers. The Ukrainian Air Force has announced the end of the threat of enemy drones. Air raid alerts are no longer in effect. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage reported. Coordinated missile and drone strikes on Christmas targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. A new strategic pact between Russia and Iran is reportedly in the works, potentially to be signed before a possible Trump inauguration, signaling a significant geopolitical shift. US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine. There are reports of increased fraud in Russia, particularly in the Khabarovsk region.

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 are effectively using drones for reconnaissance and targeted strikes but face troop and ammunition shortages. Ukrainian forces achieved a notable success with a well-planned ambush, showcasing their ability to utilize intelligence and deception tactics against Russian forces. 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.

The potential strategic pact between Russia and Iran adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape, with potential ramifications for the conflict in Ukraine and beyond. Continued US military aid to Ukraine underscores the ongoing international support for Ukraine's defense efforts.

Key Developments

Drone Activity

The Ukrainian Air Force has announced the end of the threat of enemy drones.
Air raid alerts are no longer in effect.
Several villages in the Grayvoron district of Belgorod Oblast were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack.
Operators of drones from the "Baksan" detachment reportedly destroyed enemy personnel on the Kursk front. The video shows a split screen with thermal and standard views from a drone. The drone is used to observe a wooded area with snow. It appears to target individuals and deploys an explosive payload.

Geopolitical Developments

Russia and Iran are reportedly planning to sign a new strategic partnership agreement, potentially before a possible Trump inauguration. This move is seen as an attempt by both countries to "unite forces" amid increasing global isolation. The agreement is expected to include cooperation in defense, energy, production, transport, and agriculture.
US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine, according to the White House press service.
Donald Trump suggested that Canadian ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky run for Prime Minister of Canada. Gretzky reportedly did not express interest in the idea.
Trump promised Canada a more than twofold tax cut if it joined the United States.
An ambush occurred in Tartus, resulting in the deaths of 14 Syrian soldiers and injuries to 10 others.
The head of the Syrian Interior Ministry, Muhammad Abdel Rahman, reported the ambush to SANA news agency.
A screenshot was shared showing the results of a whois IP address check. The screenshot revealed that the IP address belongs to the US Department of Defense.
The screenshot was shared with a message advising against using remote access programs like TeamViewer or AnyDesk for official purposes, as it may allow access by US Department of Defense personnel.
The message suggested that someone from the US Department of Defense may have connected to a Russian user's device without using a VPN.
An aircraft under the control of an all-female crew landed at the airport of the Iranian city of Mashhad, according to the IRNA agency. The flight was timed to coincide with Mother's Day.

Military Aid

US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine, according to the White House press service.

Other 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.
Kharkiv Oblast: Ukrainian forces report a successful operation, capturing Russian soldiers. Video footage shows Ukrainian tanks and M-113 APCs advancing, deploying troops, and engaging in combat, ultimately returning with captured Russian soldiers despite enemy artillery fire.
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.
- 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.
- Russian paratroopers are evacuating civilians from occupied settlements in the Kursk region.
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.
- 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.
- A car was driven into the doors of the military commissariat in Gus-Khrustalny, Vladimir Oblast, and the driver then set the car on fire. The driver was promised the return of stolen money in exchange for the crime. The suspect has been detained.
- The newest ice-class patrol ship "Nikolay Zubov" was launched for the Russian Navy.
- Video footage from a Russian source shows army aviation operating in the zone of responsibility of the "Vostok" grouping, using unguided aerial rockets (NARs) against enemy strongholds.
- Video footage shared by the 60th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine shows drone strikes on Russian positions and personnel.
- A social media post claims that the pro-Russian publication "Khuyevaya Barselona" has registered with Roskomnadzor, the Russian federal executive body responsible for media censorship.
- A video and caption commemorate the lowering of the USSR flag over the Kremlin 33 years ago and the execution of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu on the same day, drawing a parallel between the end of dictatorships.
- An interview with a resident of Selidovo (Donetsk region) was shared, detailing alleged atrocities committed by Ukrainian forces, including shelling of civilian areas, looting, and disappearances of civilians.
- A Russian FAB-1500 aerial bomb was used to strike a temporary deployment point of the 77th Airmobile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Konstantinopol, Donetsk Oblast. The attack reportedly resulted in up to 50 Ukrainian casualties.
- In Krasnodar Krai, an emergency situation has been declared, and work is underway to clean up fuel oil from the coast.
- In Anapa, rescuers and volunteers continue to fight pollution on the beaches after the tanker accident. In the Temryuk district, the Black Sea coast has already been completely cleaned of fuel oil: it and the garbage brought in by the storm were promptly collected and sent for recycling. A site is being prepared for the storage of contaminated soil.
- The region has allocated 1.2 billion rubles to fight the emergency in Anapa. Governor Kondratyev said that no new areas of fuel oil emissions were found. The amount of the grant for disposal may reach 200,000 tons, said Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology A. Kozlov.
- Volunteers from all over the country are coming to help in the fight against the environmental disaster. Rescuers, students and local residents of all ages help collect and remove bags, having already collected 21,000 tons of contaminated soil.
- The video shows an aerial view of a flat, rural landscape with a small town or settlement in the distance. The terrain is characterized by agricultural fields and some tree lines. The scene shifts to show a large explosion occurring within the town. A significant plume of smoke rises into the air, indicating a powerful strike.
- The video shows multiple pieces of heavy machinery, including dump trucks, a motor grader, an excavator, and steamrollers.
- The machinery is primarily engaged in road construction or site preparation activities. The road appears to be unpaved and is being graded and compacted.
- In the background, we see features associated with an industrial area, including tall industrial buildings, a tower structure, and stockpiles of construction materials.
- The image presents a "before and after" scenario of a beach clean-up. The top image, marked "БЫЛО" ("WAS"), shows a beach with significant amounts of debris, likely seaweed, strewn along the waterline. There are also people actively engaged in cleaning the beach, using bags and other methods. The bottom image, marked "СТАЛО" ("BECAME"), shows a much cleaner beach with relatively smooth sand.
- The image depicts a group of people in white protective suits with respirators and gloves, along with someone in a purple raincoat.
- The personnel are actively collecting dark, oily, or contaminated material from the sand using shovels and filling large white bags with it. This indicates a clean-up effort rather than military combat or training.
- The video features construction machinery such as backhoe loaders and dump trucks. These are not typical military vehicles, suggesting the activities are not directly related to combat operations. However, these could be used for logistical support, creating temporary bases, or performing engineering tasks like building fortifications, clearing terrain, or digging trenches.
- The video depicts a group of people in protective suits cleaning a beach, likely an oil spill cleanup.

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.
An interview with a resident of Selidovo (Donetsk region) was shared, detailing alleged atrocities committed by Ukrainian forces, including shelling of civilian areas, looting, and disappearances of civilians. The interviewee claims that Ukrainian forces treated locals as "separatists" and "not people," and that they engaged in widespread looting and violence. This interview is likely part of a Russian propaganda effort to demonize Ukrainian forces and justify the ongoing conflict.
YouTube may lose over 20 billion rubles in advertising revenue if blocked in Russia, according to the Association of Bloggers and Agencies.
There are reports of increased fraud in Russia, particularly in the Khabarovsk region. The police in Amursk have opened criminal cases regarding distance fraud. An 83-year-old pensioner was deceived by a scheme involving investments in oil and gas companies, resulting in a loss of 473,000 rubles. A 56-year-old resident fell for a scheme involving a "free replacement of an electric meter under the state program," resulting in a loss of about 800,000 rubles in personal and borrowed funds. The police are investigating these cases.

Changes Brought by New Messages

The Ukrainian Air Force has announced the end of the threat of enemy drones.
Air raid alerts are no longer in effect.
A Russian FAB-1500 aerial bomb was used to strike a temporary deployment point of the 77th Airmobile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Konstantinopol, Donetsk Oblast. The attack reportedly resulted in up to 50 Ukrainian casualties.
YouTube may lose over 20 billion rubles in advertising revenue if blocked in Russia, according to the Association of Bloggers and Agencies.
The announcement by the Ukrainian Air Force regarding the end of the drone threat indicates a temporary de-escalation in drone activity, providing a brief respite from the previous widespread drone attacks.
The reported strike on the Ukrainian temporary deployment point near Konstantinopol highlights the continued intensity of the conflict in the Donetsk region and the significant firepower being employed by Russian forces.
The potential loss of advertising revenue for YouTube if blocked in Russia could have economic implications and may be a point of leverage in negotiations or discussions between Russia and Western tech companies.
The video showing a targeted strike within a small town or settlement in a rural region, likely delivered by artillery or a guided missile. The blast’s power shows the attacking force's ability to inflict damage, and the aerial perspective confirms a degree of surveillance. Strategically, this suggests a targeted campaign against specific objectives, combined with a significant offensive capability, while intelligence capabilities are also displayed. The exact strategic value of the target remains unclear based solely on the video.
A Russian FAB-1500 aerial bomb was used to strike a temporary deployment point of the 77th Airmobile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Konstantinopol, Donetsk Oblast. The attack reportedly resulted in up to 50 Ukrainian casualties. This incident demonstrates the use of heavy aerial bombs by Russian forces and their potential impact on Ukrainian troop concentrations.
The analysis of the M113 APC highlights the potential vulnerability of these types of vehicles in the current operating environment. The damaged state of the APC points to active combat in the region and suggests a high-intensity conflict or a well-executed attack. The position.
There are reports of increased fraud in Russia, particularly in the Khabarovsk region. This could indicate a decline in public trust in institutions and potentially a sign of economic strain.
The Head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, Alexander Kurenkov, stated that the number of dangerous natural phenomena will increase, leading to a rise in emergency situations.
The video footage from the "Baksan" detachment shows the use of drones in conjunction with mortar fire to target enemy personnel on the Kursk front. This demonstrates the continued importance of drone warfare in the conflict and the integration of different military capabilities to achieve tactical objectives.
US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine. This indicates continued US support for Ukraine and a potential escalation in the conflict.
The image and message from the police of the Khabarovsk region highlight the issue of distance fraud in Russia. This could be seen as part of a broader effort to counter disinformation and maintain economic stability.
The analysis of the image emphasizes its relevance to the context of ongoing military operations, particularly in terms of countering disinformation, protecting economic security, and maintaining information control.
The video footage of the drone operation in a snowy, wooded area demonstrates the use of advanced drone capabilities for both surveillance and targeted strikes. This highlights the ongoing importance of drone warfare in the conflict and the potential for operations in adverse weather conditions.
The announcement by US President Biden regarding increased military aid to Ukraine underscores the continued international support for Ukraine's defense efforts and the potential for further escalation in the conflict.
The combination of these developments suggests a complex and dynamic situation, with ongoing military operations, evolving tactics, and a continued focus on information warfare and economic stability.
The increased incidence of fraud, particularly in the Khabarovsk