Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 26, 2024, 07:11 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces maintain their offensive momentum, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Heavy fighting is reported across multiple fronts. Ukrainian forces are under significant pressure in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian air defenses continue to engage drones, with new reports indicating 20 out of 31 Russian drones shot down overnight. The humanitarian situation is increasingly dire, with over half a million subscribers in Kharkiv without heat due to infrastructure damage. A new strategic pact between Russia and Iran is reportedly in development, potentially to be signed before a possible Trump inauguration.

Strategic Analysis

The situation continues to deteriorate for Ukrainian forces. Russian advances in Kurakhove and Pokrovsk indicate a concentrated effort to achieve a breakthrough in the Donetsk region. The capture of key settlements like Storozheve and the reported encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Makarivka (though officially denied) signify a shifting balance of power in the Vremivka direction.

Ukrainian forces report successes in repelling attacks and inflicting losses on Russian troops, particularly in the Kursk region, where they claim to have destroyed a significant amount of equipment and inflicted heavy casualties. They also report a successful operation in the Kharkiv region, capturing Russian soldiers. However, these successes appear to be localized and have not significantly altered the overall strategic picture.

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. The reported destruction of Ukrainian reserves in the Sumy region suggests Russia is actively targeting Ukrainian reinforcements and logistics.

The involvement of North Korean troops adds complexity and raises concerns about potential escalation. Reports of 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. Coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure 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, but the reported internal tensions within NATO regarding the level and type of military support for Ukraine could impact the cohesion and effectiveness of this support.

Key Developments

Donetsk Oblast

Kurakhove:
- Russian forces have liberated an additional 5 square kilometers, advancing south of Ukrainian positions in the industrial zone.
- Clashes continue in the central part of the city for the remaining high-rise buildings.
- Russian forces are advancing in the western part of the high-rise buildings and have placed a flag on the roof of the sanatorium.
- Russian forces continue clearing high-rise buildings and the private sector, pushing Ukrainian forces towards the territory of the thermal power plant.
- Video evidence likely shows a drone recording of a military engagement in the Kurakhove direction where soldiers from the 68th tank regiment are shown to have successfully advanced, taking an enemy position and surprising reinforcements.
- Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove.
- Ukrainian forces are reportedly leaving the city.
- Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka.
- Russian forces are advancing on Yantarnoye and have destroyed a bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka.
- Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Kotlyne, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Kostyantynopil, and Andriyivka.
- Launches of guided air bombs were reported against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
- Russian forces have reportedly broken through to Yantarne and are completing the assault on Kurakhove.
- South of Zelenivka, Russian units have occupied several forest belts on a 2.5 km wide and 1.2 km deep area.
- A Russian drone strike hit a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
- Snipers from the 5th Brigade are reportedly targeting Ukrainian forces in Kurakhove.
- Drone operators disrupted a Ukrainian unit's rotation in the Kurakhovo direction.
- Positional fighting reported in the Kurakhove-Dalnee area. Russian forces advanced more than 1km from Dalnee and took up new positions west of the settlement.
- Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
- Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
- Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater, thereby ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
- Russian forces are advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko.
- In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna.
- Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
- Intense clashes are ongoing near Kurakhove, Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, Kostyantynopil, and Andriivka.
- South of Kurakhove, Russian forces have advanced 1 km west of Dalne and expelled Ukrainian forces from nearby forest belts.
- South and north of Krasnohorivka, Russian forces advanced 1.7 km and are attacking Petropavlivka.
- Russian forces have expanded their control in areas surrounding Kurakhove, including advances near Shevchenko and to the south towards Dalne.
- Russian assault groups have reportedly secured new positions in the Kurakhivka axis, with heavy fighting reported near several settlements.
- Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka, further degrading Ukrainian logistics to the west of Kurakhovo.
- Video shows liberation of Elizavetovka, advancing towards Kurakhovo.
- In Kurakhove, бои перешли в промзону, противник выбит из жилой застройки.

Vremivka Direction

Russian forces captured Storozheve and advanced towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar and Novopustynka.
Russian forces liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road.
Russian forces have completely dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne.
Fighting continues in the southern part of Novyi Komar.
Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
Russian forces reportedly encircled Ukrainian forces in Makarivka, south of Velyka Novosilka.
The information about the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Makarivka is officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed.
Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket", and Russian forces have reportedly encircled Ukrainian forces in Makarivka.
The Ukrainian 48th Separate Artillery Brigade claims to have made all necessary artillery shots for victory.
Drones of the 14th Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group targeted a temporary deployment point of a hostile unit in Velyka Novosilka.
Active combat is taking place near Velyka Novosilka.
An attack by Russian forces in Blahodatne resulted in a cleanup of Ukrainian positions in the northern part of the settlement.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced more than 800 meters towards Velyka Novosilka.
Ukrainian forces are trying to prevent the encirclement of their units near Makarivka.
Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, disrupting Ukrainian logistics.
Russian forces reportedly liberated Makarivka on December 16th and took control of the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka to the northwest of Storozheve, making it impossible for Ukrainian forces to resupply or rotate troops in the area. They are also reportedly working on key heights near Rivnopil and Storozheve.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle in the Vremivka direction.
Fighters of the 60th Motorized Rifle Brigade hoisted the Russian flag over Storozhev.
Russian forces have fully liberated Storozheve.
Fighting continues in the southern part of Novyi Komar, with reports of scattered groups of Ukrainian forces in the area.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region, including Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, and Velyka Novosilka.
Clashes continue near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka.

Toretsk

Street fighting continues.
Russian forces continue attacks along Fabrychna, Rynkova, Svitla, Lesi Ukrainky streets and in the direction of the "Toretska" mine.
Heavy fighting is ongoing in Shcherbynivka (southwest of Toretsk).
Russian forces are consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
Ukrainian forces, specifically pilots and infantrymen of the 5th Rifle Battalion of the 28th OMBr, used drones to force five Russian soldiers to surrender near Toretsk.
A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed.
Advanced in Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk.
In Toretsk, in the southern part of the "Central" mine, Russian fighters captured two objects on the outskirts of the spoil heap.
Advanced towards small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk.
Assault troops advanced 500 meters west in Khimkolonka area, occupied new positions in the private sector.
Civilians were evacuated from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk).
Assault on Chasov Yar continues with some success, including advances and use of heavy weaponry.
Daily assaults by Russian forces on the Toretsk front increasingly resemble battles with "Wagnerians." Unable to break through with small groups, the enemy increased the number of assault troops to 20. However, the only change was an increase in casualties.
Street fighting continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
They captured two objects on the outskirts of the "Central" mine spoil heap and made gains in the Khomkolonka microdistrict.
A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
Russian forces are advancing behind New York and have taken the center of Shcherbinovka.
Russian forces are advancing towards Shcherbinovka.

Chasiv Yar

Ukrainian forces have retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound. There are currently about 150 Ukrainian soldiers at the plant.
Drone operators from the Ivanovo Airborne Forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank near Chasiv Yar.
Russian forces control over half of the city. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances.
Russian forces retook positions at the fire-resistant compound, partially dislodging Ukrainian forces.
Clashes are reported near Stupochky and Predtechyne.
Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar.
Fighting continues, with Russian forces controlling over half of the city. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances.
They retook positions at the fire-resistant compound and partially dislodged Ukrainian forces.
British FV103 Spartan destroyed by Russian forces near Chasov Yar.
Russian forces advanced near Chasov Yar and Stupochky.

Pokrovsk

Russian forces are developing success from the southwest, attacking from the side of Dachenske.
Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud.
Fighting is ongoing in Dachenske.
Russian forces are advancing west on a broad front south of Pokrovsk, making progress near Novooleenovka and Novoyelizavetivka.
The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka.
Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka, reportedly entering Pisky.
Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka.
High-intensity battles are ongoing near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske, Novyy Trud, Novotroyitske, Novoyelyzavetivka, Novoolenivka, Novopustynka, and Vozdvyzhenka.
Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reaching its outskirts and liberating Veselyi Gai.
Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk.
Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
A video shows the results of an attack on Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area by the 414th Separate Brigade "Birds of Magyar," including the destruction of a motorcycle with Russian military personnel on it.
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.
Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky.
They are storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka.
Russian forces struck a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
Russian forces advanced near Novotroitskoye and Vozdvizhenka.
Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction.
Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.

Terny

Russian forces advanced in the village of Terny, taking control of approximately 40% of the settlement.

Other

The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly liberated Elizavetovka.
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 Ukrainian forces lost up to 245 troops in the area of responsibility of the "South" group of forces.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defenses.
On December 25th, Russian sources claimed further advances towards Dimitrov and the liberation of Veselyi Gai.
Heavy fighting continues around several settlements, including Shevchenko, Pischane, and Novotroyitske, with Russian forces making incremental gains.
Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
High-intensity battles are reported in the areas of northern Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka, Novooleenovka, Ukrainka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko.
A Russian soldier was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian forces on the eastern outskirts of Novovasilivka.
Residents of the liberated village of Ostrovskoe in the DPR reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
Video shows a drone strike on a convoy of vehicles. The vehicles appear to be civilian models, possibly indicating their use in a military or paramilitary capacity due to the context. The use of civilian vehicles could be a tactic to blend in with civilian traffic or to overcome shortages of military vehicles. The presence of smoke from one of the vehicles suggests it has been hit and is either on fire or severely damaged. The drone footage suggests the convoy was under surveillance and then targeted. This indicates a capability for precision strikes, which is common in modern warfare where drones are used for both reconnaissance and attack. The attack on the convoy is likely to disrupt the movement of troops or supplies. The success of such strikes can degrade the enemy's logistical capabilities and morale. The use of drones to both monitor and strike targets is a cost-effective way to engage enemy forces, reducing the risk to manned aircraft and ground troops. The video may also be used for propaganda purposes, to demonstrate the effectiveness of drone warfare and to showcase military successes.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. The footage depicts a rapid advance by the Russian battalion and confirms that at least two of the enemy combatants were incapacitated. The video shows the importance of surveillance and the potential for heavy losses in combat operations.
Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine.
Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses, including 145 soldiers in the past 24 hours.
Video evidence suggests a Russian soldier was targeted and killed by Ukrainian forces using a thermal-scoped weapon, likely a drone-dropped munition, during a nighttime operation. The location and involved units are not specified.
425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted drone strike operation in Shevchenko.
Russian forces are launching guided aerial bombs in the southern part of the Donetsk region.
The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs.
Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
MoD Briefing (08:37:20 UTC): "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
On the Donetsk front, there are reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering. This incident is under investigation as a potential war crime.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
Near Novoocheretuvate, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack involving 5 units of equipment.
Ongoing battles are reported near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk itself.
Using fog as cover, a group of Russian soldiers managed to approach Ukrainian positions. However, they were met with heavy fire from the infantry of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of the 28th OMBr. Soldiers of the 28th Mechanized Brigade, constantly changing positions and using all available weapons, destroyed some of the group. One Russian soldier managed to fall into a trench to his comrade, but was quickly smoked out with grenades and eventually eliminated. The rest of the assault group began to flee, hide, and pretend to be dead. However, each was hunted down by the pilots of the Unmanned Systems Battalion and "Kurt & Company." Only one Russian soldier was lucky, as he decided to surrender. The only problem was that he turned out to be a citizen of Egypt, so the infantry had to explain everything with gestures.

Kharkiv Oblast

Starytsia: Russian forces have broken through the Ukrainian defense in Starytsia and are advancing along the Seversky Donets River.
Russian forces made progress in Zahryzove thanks to gaps in the Ukrainian defenses.
6 new drones were reported in the Kharkiv Oblast, with a course towards/through Balakliia.
Kupyansk Direction: Fighting is ongoing near Zahryzove. Clashes are reported near Kindrashivka, Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Dvorichna, and Bohuslavka. Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing in two directions on the Kupyansk front.
Kharkiv Axis: Clashes are reported near Vovchansk, Hoptivka, Hlybokoht, Vysoka Yaruhya, and Buhruvatka.
Reserves Transfer: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova.
Assault Repelled: Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
Drone Activity: Increased drone activity was reported in the Kharkiv region, with movements towards Balakliia.
Drone Destruction: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk.
Large Mechanized Attack Repelled: Ukrainian forces repelled a large mechanized attack by Russian forces near the Oskil River, destroying or damaging 21 pieces of Russian equipment.
Heat Supply Disruption: 500,000 subscribers in the region are without heat.
Drone Activity: Ukrainian Air Force reported activity of Russian tactical aviation in the Sea of Azov, with a threat of using air-launched munitions for front-line regions. An air raid alert has been announced for the Zaporizhzhia region.
Kharkiv Region: The Ukrainian General Staff reports clashes near Vovchansk and Vysoka Yaruha on the Kharkiv axis.
Military Operations:
- Russian sources claim advances in the Kupyansk direction, including the capture of most of Lozova and progress in Zahryzove and near Dvorichna. They also claim the destruction of a NATO-supplied Leopard tank near Petropavlivka.
- Video footage reportedly shows Russian army aviation using unguided aerial rockets against Ukrainian positions in the Vostok operational zone.
Kupyansk Axis: Clashes are reported near Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, and Lozova.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the Kharkiv region is under threat of enemy drone attacks.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that enemy drones were detected in the Kharkiv area.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that enemy drones were shot down in the Kharkiv region.
Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones in the Kupyansk area.
Head of Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleg Synehubov, reported on December 25th a mass rocket attack in the early morning, focusing on civilian infrastructure, with 12 rockets impacting 4 districts of Kharkiv, specifically targeting industrial sites and critical infrastructure. He also mentioned the challenging situation on the eastern Kupiansk front, describing it as a "meat grinder."
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.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
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 reported in the region.
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.
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.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
Kyivskyi District, Kharkiv: A Russian drone attack using a "Geran-2" UAV targeted a tree in the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv at 23:40 on December 20th. The attack caused minor damage to the facades of about ten private houses, with some windows broken. Two people sought medical attention for acute stress reactions, including an elderly woman.
A Ukrainian "Vampire" drone of the 3rd Assault Brigade dismantled Russian fortifications in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces destroyed 45 occupiers, wounded 46, and destroyed 11 UAVs, three vehicles, and three units of special equipment of the occupier in the Kharkiv direction.
In the Купянском direction our troops зашли в Загрызово. Штурмовики ВС РФ нашли брешь в обороне противника и зашли в село с северо-восточной части.

Kursk Region

The crew of a Ka-52M helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.
"Grad" MLRS destroyed Ukrainian strongholds and infantry in the Kursk border area. A "Grad" MLRS crew of Tula paratroopers destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian infantry in the border area.
A Ukrainian soldier from the 47th Mechanized Brigade, currently positioned in Sudzha, made threatening statements in voice messages to a Russian soldier.
The 47th Mechanized Brigade reportedly suffered significant losses near Leonidovka.
Ukrainian forces reportedly mined civilian objects in Plehovo with explosives placed inside of toys marked with a black triangle.
Fighting occurred near Leonidovo, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Kurilovka. Ukrainian forces attempted two unsuccessful counterattacks.
Ukrainian forces shelled Lgov, killing four people. The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case regarding this shelling as an act of terrorism.
Paratroopers from the 98th Airborne Division shot down a Ukrainian drone.
Russian forces are conducting an offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoye, advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Active combat operations reported near Sudzha, with Russian forces attacking in the direction of Viktorivka and advancing up to 2 km.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line in the Kursk sector.
Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka.
Advances were made in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Ukrainian reserves transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Heavy fighting continues along the front line, particularly in Kursk (57 clashes).
Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
Paratroopers of the 76th division are storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
Ukrainian forces reportedly used HIMARS with cluster munitions against North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, causing heavy losses. A later report states that Ukrainian forces struck Lgov, resulting in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to five others. The attack damaged residential buildings, a gas pipeline, and other civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military claims the target was a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade, but Russian sources dispute this. Three women were killed in the attack, and at least six rockets fell on the streets of the city. A penal colony with captured Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers is located in Lgov, and they could have been the target of the attack.
Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and making progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Over 300 troops, two tanks (including one U.S.-made Abrams), three IFVs (including one U.S.-made Bradley, one German-made Marder, and one Swedish-made CV-90), three AFVs (including one U.S.-made Stryker and two M113s), three armored fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, four mortars, one U.S.-made M88 ARV, and eight motor vehicles were reported lost by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone. The operation was carried out by the 3rd Company of the "Achilles" strike drone battalion, 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. The operation resulted in the destruction of a significant amount of Russian military equipment and ammunition. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirmed the operation and praised the effectiveness of the Ukrainian drone units.
A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians. Another reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary. A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers.
The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during fortification construction.
Over 3,000 wounded and killed North Korean soldiers were reported in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian defenders repelled 46 enemy attacks, with 374 artillery strikes (9 from MLRS).
Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment from Feodosia liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district.
Airstrikes: Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
Captured Soldier's Account: A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops, describing them as ruthless and operating independently.
Russian Military Claims: Russian sources claim advances near Kamyshovka and Russkoye Porechnoye.
Continued Shelling: Explosions were reported in Kyiv-controlled Kherson.
Alleged Terrorist Plot Foiled: FSB reportedly prevented a terrorist attack in the Moscow region targeting a defense industry executive. Seven individuals were detained, including three minors. The attack was allegedly coordinated by Ukrainian special services.
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.
South of Kruhlenke, Russian forces advanced 1.6 km towards Viktorivka and cleared a forest belt. They are also attacking Leonidovo from the west.
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a

Situation Report