Kurakhove: Russian forces continue their offensive, liberating an additional 5 sq km and advancing south of Ukrainian positions in the industrial zone. Clashes persist in the central part of the city, with Russian forces pushing Ukrainian forces towards the thermal power plant. Video evidence shows the 68th tank regiment advancing and capturing an enemy position. Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, with Ukrainian forces reportedly leaving the city. Russian forces have also liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and are advancing on Yantarnoye, destroying a bridge over the Volchya River. Airstrikes and guided bomb launches are reported against multiple locations, including Konstantinivka and Chasiv Yar. Russian units have occupied forest belts south of Zelenivka and conducted a drone strike on a power substation near Dachne. Snipers and drone operators are actively targeting Ukrainian forces, disrupting rotations and destroying a communications repeater. Russian forces are advancing west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko and using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions. Intense clashes are ongoing near several settlements, with Russian forces making gains, including the liberation of Elizavetovka.
Vremivka Direction: Russian forces captured Storozheve and advanced towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar and Novopustynka. They liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne. Fighting continues in Novyi Komar, with Russian forces attacking from both sides to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road. Reports of Ukrainian forces being encircled in Makarivka are officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed, and Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket." Active combat is taking place near Velyka Novosilka, with Russian forces advancing over 800 meters. A bridge over the Mokri Yaly river was destroyed, disrupting Ukrainian logistics. Russian forces reportedly liberated Makarivka on December 16th and took control of the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka. Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations. Clashes continue near several settlements.
Toretsk: Street fighting continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Heavy fighting is ongoing in Shcherbynivka, and Russian forces are advancing near the Toretska mine. Ukrainian forces used drones to force five Russian soldiers to surrender. A Ukrainian command post was destroyed near the Toretsk mine. Russian forces advanced in the Khomkolonka microdistrict and captured two objects near the "Central" mine spoil heap. Civilians were evacuated from Toretsk. Russian forces are advancing behind New York and have taken the center of Shcherbinovka.
Chasiv Yar: Ukrainian forces have retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound, with about 150 soldiers present. Drone operators destroyed a Ukrainian tank. Russian forces control over half of the city, with Ukrainian units regrouping. Clashes are reported near Stupochky and Predtechyne. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound. A British FV103 Spartan was destroyed. Russian forces advanced near Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are attacking from the southwest, liberating Novyi Trud and engaging in fighting in Dachenske. They 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 reached the central part of Lysivka. Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka, entering Pisky, and storming Novooleenovka while advancing towards Slavyanka. High-intensity battles are ongoing near multiple settlements. Russian forces advanced near Pushkino, liberating Veselyi Gai, and are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk. They are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka. Video evidence shows an attack on Ukrainian positions, including the destruction of a motorcycle with Russian military personnel. A drone strike hit a Ukrainian tank near Solone. Russian forces struck a power substation near Dachne and advanced near Novotroitskoye and Vozdvizhenka. Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reportedly destroyed.
Terny: Russian forces advanced in the village of Terny, taking control of approximately 40% of the settlement.
Other: The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment liberated Elizavetovka. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the liberation of Novy Trud and significant Ukrainian losses. Heavy fighting continues around several settlements, with Russian forces making incremental gains and developing an offensive towards Dimitrov. Residents of Ostrovskoe reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces. Video evidence shows drone strikes on various targets. Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses. The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs. Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the LPR. The "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces. Four Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly executed after surrendering. Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate. Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Novoocheretuvate. Ongoing battles are reported near multiple settlements. Ukrainian forces destroyed some of an enemy assault group near Toretsk, capturing an Egyptian mercenary.
Kharkiv Oblast
Starytsia: Russian forces have broken through the Ukrainian defense and are advancing along the Seversky Donets River.
Zahryzove: Russian forces made progress due to gaps in the Ukrainian defenses.
Kupyansk Direction: Fighting is ongoing near Zahryzove, Kindrashivka, Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Dvorichna, and Bohuslavka. Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing in two directions.
Kharkiv Axis: Clashes are reported near Vovchansk, Hoptivka, Hlybokoht, Vysoka Yaruhya, and Buhruvatka.
Reserves Transfer: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova.
Drone Activity: Increased drone activity was reported, with movements towards Balakliia. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk. Ukrainian forces repelled a large mechanized attack near the Oskil River, destroying or damaging 21 pieces of Russian equipment.
Heat Supply Disruption: 500,000 subscribers in the region are without heat.
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.
Air Force Reports: The Ukrainian Air Force reported drone activity and threats in the Kharkiv region, with drones being shot down.
Other: 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 reported a mass rocket attack on civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian forces repelled enemy attacks near Kozacha Lopan, Vysokaya Yaruga, and Vovchansk. One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling. A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man in Kupyansk. Explosive strikes were reported in the region. One clash occurred near Vovchansk. Russian forces conducted airstrikes and shellings, inflicting losses on Ukrainian forces. Russian attack drones eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area. Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv. Russian forces used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group and destroy an armored vehicle. Ukrainian forces used drones to attack Russian positions, destroy a T-64BV tank, and dismantle fortifications. Ukrainian forces destroyed 45 occupiers and equipment.
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.
A Ukrainian soldier from the 47th Mechanized Brigade made threatening statements. The brigade reportedly suffered significant losses near Leonidovka.
Ukrainian forces reportedly mined civilian objects in Plehovo with explosives placed inside toys.
Fighting occurred near Leonidovo, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Kurilovka. Ukrainian forces attempted two unsuccessful counterattacks.
Ukrainian forces shelled Lgov, killing four people.
Paratroopers from the 98th Airborne Division shot down a Ukrainian drone.
Russian forces are conducting an offensive, storming Kruglenkoye and advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka. Active combat operations are reported near Sudzha, with Russian forces attacking in the direction of Viktorivka.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka and made advances 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 (57 clashes).
Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units.
Paratroopers of the 76th division are storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
Ukrainian forces reportedly used HIMARS with cluster munitions against North Korean special forces, causing heavy losses. A later report states that Ukrainian forces struck Lgov, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The Ukrainian military claims the target was a command post, but Russian sources dispute this.
Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and making progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Over 300 troops, two tanks, three IFVs, three AFVs, three armored fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, four mortars, one ARV, and eight motor vehicles were reported lost by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians. Another reported orders to shoot civilians. 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.
Over 3,000 wounded and killed North Korean soldiers were reported.
Ukrainian defenders repelled 46 enemy attacks, with 374 artillery strikes.
Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district.
Airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops.
Russian sources claim advances near Kamyshovka and Russkoye Porechnoye.
Explosions were reported in Kyiv-controlled Kherson.
FSB reportedly prevented a terrorist attack in the Moscow region.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces lost more than 230 troops and two tanks.
Russian Ministry of Defense reports significant AFU losses since the beginning of hostilities.
South of Kruhlenke, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka and cleared a forest belt. They are also attacking Leonidovo from the west.
Ukrainian forces conducted another successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
Other Regions
Drone Activity: New reports of drone movements in Chernihiv, Poltava, and Cherkasy Oblasts, with air raid alerts issued for Kyiv and other regions. Ukrainian forces report shooting down 20 out of 31 drones launched by Russia overnight.
Geopolitical Developments: Russia and Iran are reportedly planning to sign a new strategic partnership agreement. US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine.
Military Aid: US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine.
Other: Overnight strikes on Kharkiv damaged energy infrastructure and industrial facilities. An urgent fundraising campaign is underway to purchase a vehicle for Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian forces reportedly face an increase in artillery shelling in the south. French military sources confirmed the completion of training for Ukrainian pilots on Mirage 2000-5F aircraft. An Azerbaijani passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused NATO of attempting to turn Moldova into a logistics hub for supplying the Ukrainian army. The Iranian Embassy in Ukraine extended Christmas greetings. Reports indicate 21 Palestinians killed and 51 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza.
Kremennaya-Terny: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova (Kharkiv Oblast). Russian forces advanced in Terny.
Drone Warfare: Extensive drone warfare continues, with reports of drone attacks and artillery strikes by both sides. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk. Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region. 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. Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade engaging Russian infantry. Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment. Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater. Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts.
Propaganda and Information Warfare: An exhibition of Nizhny Novgorod artists opened in Beijing. The "Operation Z" Telegram channel is collecting funds for Mavic 3 drones. The "NKB Smersh" organization is involved in detaining individuals for discrediting the Russian army. YouTube is reportedly de facto blocked in Russia. The Russian TV channel "Russia 1" censored flags of the Russian Empire in a report. A video discussion on the future of Georgia was shared. Russian media is attempting to downplay the drone attack on Chechnya. A Ukrainian drone remotely mined Russian logistics routes. A video surfaced showing an Italian volunteer fighter in the DPR. 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 near Kupyansk. 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.
Changes Brought by New Messages
Ukrainian air defenses have engaged Russian drones, with new reports of drone movements in Chernihiv, Poltava, and Cherkasy Oblasts. Air raid alerts are in effect for Kyiv and other regions.
A Ukrainian source reports a successful ambush on Russian forces using intelligence gathered through internet surveillance and a humanitarian aid ruse, reportedly involving HIMARS and resulting in significant casualties.
Russia and Iran are reportedly planning to sign a new strategic partnership agreement, potentially before a possible Trump inauguration.
US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine.
Video footage shows army aviation operations and drone strikes, highlighting the continued use of air power and drone warfare.
A social media post claims that the pro-Russian publication "Khuyevaya Barselona" has registered with Roskomnadzor.
A video and caption commemorate the lowering of the USSR flag and the execution of Nicolae Ceaușescu, drawing a parallel between the end of dictatorships.
Drone activity is reported over Chernihiv Oblast, moving towards Kyiv Oblast with a south-westerly course.
Drones are reported over north-eastern Poltava Oblast, moving south-west.
Drones are detected on the border of Cherkasy and Poltava Oblasts, moving east.
Air raid alerts are in effect for Kyiv and several other regions due to the threat of attack drones.
A car was driven into the doors of the military commissariat in Gus-Khrustalny, Vladimir Oblast, and set on fire.
The newest ice-class patrol ship "Nikolay Zubov" was launched for the Russian Navy.
Several villages in the Grayvoron district of Belgorod Oblast were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack.
Donald Trump suggested that Canadian ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky run for Prime Minister of Canada.
Russian forces are experiencing significant issues in the Sverdlikivka area of the Kursk region due to depleted combat potential and logistics issues. The 225th Separate Assault Battalion has only 15 of 47 combat groups capable of conducting assault operations. Units from the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade and the 1st Separate Tank Brigade are being used to defend the Sverdlikivka line. A combined battalion from the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, and 82nd Separate Airborne Assault Brigade is tasked with holding the Leonidovo-Viktorivka line.
Russian forces are using remote mining to prevent Ukrainian advances towards Sverdlikove.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly transferring up to 1,000 personnel from rear units in the Odesa region to the occupied territories of the Kursk region.
A special report by WarGonzo details the operations of the "Española" volunteer unit in the battles for Chasiv Yar, highlighting their use of drones, artillery, and captured Ukrainian equipment. The report emphasizes the unit's adaptability, use of technology, and close coordination between different elements.
The video also shows the destruction of a Ukrainian DOT by artillery and drone operators.
Overall Situation
The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with Russian forces making significant advances in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Ukrainian forces are facing immense pressure and are heavily reliant on drone warfare to counter Russian movements. The extensive use of drones by both sides highlights the evolving nature of the conflict. The involvement of North Korean troops, if confirmed, adds another layer of complexity. The humanitarian situation is dire, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage reported. The reported war crimes underscore the brutality of the conflict. Ukrainian forces are employing FPV drones effectively but face challenges due to troop shortages and ammunition supply issues. 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 training of Ukrainian pilots on Mirage 2000-5F aircraft by France marks a significant development, potentially enhancing Ukraine's air capabilities. Diplomatic efforts and discussions are ongoing, with internal tensions within NATO and new statements from Trump. 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. The explosion in Abakan and the financial support from the IMF to Ukraine highlight the broader impacts of the conflict. The reported strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran could have significant implications for the conflict. The continued US military aid to Ukraine underscores the ongoing international support for Ukraine's defense efforts. The video footage showing army aviation operations and drone strikes provides a glimpse into the ongoing military activities on the ground. The social media post about "Khuyevaya Barselona" registering with Roskomnadzor suggests a potential shift in the publication's alignment or a move to comply with Russian media regulations. The commemoration of the lowering of the USSR flag and the execution of Nicolae Ceaușescu serves as a historical reminder of the fall of authoritarian regimes. The new information about the situation in the Kursk region highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces and the potential for further escalation in this area. The special report on the "Española" unit provides valuable insights into the tactics and operations of volunteer units in the conflict.
