Sitrep 2024-12-27 01:51:57

Updated Operational Situation Report: December 27, 2024, 01:49 UTC

Key Changes and Developments

Drone Activity South of Kyiv: Several groups of attack drones detected south of Kyiv, suggesting a potential imminent drone attack on the capital or surrounding areas. Ukrainian air defense systems are likely on high alert.
Mobilized Soldiers Operations: The 375th OPTADN of the 47th Division is using drones to target enemy infantry, communication towers, and supply depots near Kupyansk.
Canadian Officials to Consult with Trump Administration: The Canadian Foreign and Finance Ministers are traveling to the US for consultations with the Trump administration, suggesting potential shifts in North American relations and implications for international support for Ukraine.
Putin-Kim Correspondence: Russian President Putin sent a New Year's greeting to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on December 17th, stating that cooperation between the two countries is in their best interests. This signals a continued strengthening of the Russia-North Korea relationship.
Pentagon Non-Committal on Alleged F-16 Downing: The Pentagon has declined to comment on reports that an F-16 was shot down in Zaporizhzhia.
Russian Soldier's Warning from Klishchiivka: A Russian soldier with the callsign "Kasper" released a video from Klishchiivka, warning others not to join the special military operation.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Russian forces struck industrial infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia.
Chasiv Yar: Fighting continues in the urban areas of Chasiv Yar.
Ukrainka and Novoelizavetivka: Ukrainian forces acknowledge the loss of Ukrainka and parts of Novoelizavetivka, confirming the ongoing Russian advance in the Pokrovsk direction.
Huliaipole Direction: Russian forces improved their tactical position north of Marfopil and south of Malynivka.
Velyka Novosilka Direction: The road to Huliaipole is under the physical and fire control of the 60th Brigade of the 5th Army of the Russian Armed Forces. All paved roads to Velyka Novosilka are blocked.
Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction: Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka during the assault on Yaseneve from the north and east. Fighting for Novovasylivka continues.
Drone Activity:
- Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down all previously reported drones.
- Four new drones were detected entering from the Okhtyrka district towards Poltava Oblast.
- New groups of drones from Sumy Oblast are moving towards Poltava Oblast.
- Within an hour, explosions were heard in the occupied part of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, in the suburbs of Kharkiv and Cherkasy.
- An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using a UAV on the territory of the Bryansk region was thwarted.
- NEW: Ukrainian UAVs neutralized in the Suvorovsky district of Tula Oblast.

Current Situation

The conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of de-escalation, with Russian forces continuing their offensive operations, particularly in the Donetsk Oblast. The capture of Ukrainka and advances near Velyka Novosilka, Huliaipole, and Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) represent significant tactical gains for Russian forces. The situation in Chasiv Yar remains intense, with urban warfare and Russian attempts to gain control of the strategically important fire-resistant materials plant. Ukrainian forces are putting up fierce resistance but face mounting pressure due to Russian reserve deployments.

Drone warfare remains a defining feature, with ongoing reports of drone activity across multiple regions. The recent strikes on industrial infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia highlight the continued threat to critical facilities. Reports of new drone sightings south of Kyiv indicate a potential imminent threat to the capital.

The humanitarian situation is likely worsening, given the ongoing fighting and reports of civilian evacuations from frontline areas like Toretsk. Allegations of war crimes, including the shooting of Ukrainian POWs, add to the complexity and severity of the conflict.

Diplomatic efforts appear to be stalled, with no significant progress towards a negotiated settlement. The reported internal tensions within NATO and the potential shift in US policy under a possible Trump administration add further uncertainty to the conflict's trajectory. The upcoming visit of Canadian officials to consult with the Trump administration may be a significant development in this regard.

Military Situation Updates - December 27, 2024, 01:49 UTC

Donetsk Oblast

Kurakhove

Russian Control and Advance: Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of Kurakhove, continuing offensive operations.
Ukrainian Withdrawal: Reports persist that Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from Kurakhove.
Strategic Advances: Russian forces have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and are advancing on Yantarnoye.
Drone Warfare: Video evidence shows drone strikes on various targets, including a communications repeater.
Aerial Attacks: Airstrikes and guided bomb launches are reported against multiple locations.
Forest Belt Occupations: South of Zelenivka, Russian units occupied several forest belts.
Sontsovka Renamed: Sontsovka has been renamed Krasnoye.
Shevchenko: In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna.
Other Battles: Ongoing battles near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk.
Positional fighting: reported in the Kurakhove-Dalnee area.
Advance Towards Shevchenko: Russian forces are advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko.
Loss of Positions: Ukrainian forces report the loss of some positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Changes to the Situation: Russian forces are consolidating their control over approximately 80% of Kurakhove. Russian forces liberated Gigant. Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka from the north and east. Russian forces are advancing east of Myrolubivka, fording the Kazennyi Torets River and establishing a foothold on the right bank, posing a threat to Myrnohrad (formerly Dymytrov).
Huliaipole, Marfopol, Malynivka: Russian forces report advancements near Malynivka and Marfopol.

Vremivka Direction

Territorial Gains: Russian forces captured Storozheve and advanced towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar and Novopustynka.
Encirclement at Makarivka: Reports of Ukrainian forces being encircled in Makarivka are officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Clashes: Ongoing near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka.
Advance Towards Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are advancing, with reports of over 800 meters gained.
Makarivka Liberation: Reports of Makarivka's liberation on December 16th and control gained over the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
Uspenovka Liberation Completed: The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed, and Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket."
Neskuchne: Rogov reported the beginning of battles for the liberation of Neskuchne in DPR.
Situation in Velyka Novosilka: The situation remains extremely difficult, according to DeepState.
Changes to the Situation: Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, disrupting Ukrainian logistics.

Toretsk

Street Fighting: Continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
Clashes: Ongoing near Toretsk, Dyliyivka, Dachne, Bila Hora, and Scherbynivka.
Advance Behind New York: Russian forces are advancing behind New York, having taken the center of Shcherbinovka.
Ukrainian Command Post Destruction: A Ukrainian command post was destroyed near the Toretsk mine.
Civilian Evacuation: Civilians were evacuated from Toretsk.
Changes to the Situation: Street fighting divides the city.

Chasiv Yar

Control and Regrouping: Ukrainian forces have retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound, with about 150 soldiers present. Russian forces control over half of the city, with Ukrainian units regrouping.
Ukrainian Counterattacks: In Chasiv Yar, Ukrainian forces have temporarily stabilized the situation and conducted a series of successful counterattacks.
Clashes: Reported near Stupochky and Predtechyne.
Partial Dislodgement: Fighting in Chasov Yar: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound.
Changes to the Situation: Ukrainian forces have retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound in Chasiv Yar.

Pokrovsk

Russian Advance: Russian forces are attacking from the southwest, liberating Novyi Trud and engaging in fighting in Dachenske.
High-Intensity Battles: Ongoing near multiple settlements.
Drone Strike Near Solone: Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
Power Substation Strike: Russian forces struck a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
Canadian "Roshel Senator" Damaged: Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction.
Changes to the Situation: Russian forces are developing success from the southwest, attacking from the side of Dachenske. Russian forces, having liberated Novopustynka, repelled multiple enemy attempts to retake the village and captured 10 Ukrainian soldiers.
"Otvazhnye" forces are making a powerful push near Pokrovsk, initiating assaults on Solone, Novovasylivka, and Novoelizavetivka.

Terny

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

Other Key Developments in Donetsk Oblast

Guided Aerial Bombs: Launched in the southern part of the region.
POW Shooting Footage: The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs.
Colombian Mercenaries Liquidated: Reports of Russian forces liquidating a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the LPR.
Casualties Inflicted by "Center" Group: The "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
War Crime Investigation: Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers executed after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
Novoocheretuvate Crossing Destroyed: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
Ukrainian Repel near Novoocheretuvate: Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Novoocheretuvate.
Tactical Position Improvement: Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses.
Ostrovskoe Abuse Reports: Residents of Ostrovskoe reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
Kurakhovskaya TPP Strike: Russian forces successfully targeted a Ukrainian YPR-765 armored personnel carrier near the Kurakhovskaya TPP.
Novyi Trud Liberation by MoD: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud in the DPR.
MoD Report on Vostok Group: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defenses.
MoD Briefing (08:37:20 UTC): "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian Soldier Execution: On the Donetsk front, there are reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering.
Changes to the Situation: Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region.

Kremennaya-Terny

Reserves to Lozova: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova (Kharkiv Oblast).
Terny Attack: An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
Central Terny Advance: Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny, expanding control by up to 400 meters.
Changes to the Situation: Active combat operations near Kremennaya. Russian forces advanced in Terny and expanded their control, pushing towards Borova.

Kursk Region

Territorial Gains: Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Ukrainian Reserves Destroyed: 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 Helicopter Action: Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
Paratrooper Advance: Paratroopers of the 76th division are storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
HIMARS Strike and Alleged Civilian Deaths: 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.
Allegations of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians. Another reported orders to shoot civilians. A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers.
Corruption: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles.
Casualties: Over 3,000 wounded and killed North Korean soldiers were reported.
Ukrainian Defense: Ukrainian defenders repelled 46 enemy attacks, with 374 artillery strikes.
Captured Soldier's Account: A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops.
Alleged Terrorist Plot Foiled: FSB reportedly prevented a terrorist attack in the Moscow region.
Ukrainian Troop and Tank Losses: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces lost more than 230 troops and two tanks in the Kursk direction.
AFU Losses Since Start of Hostilities: Russian Ministry of Defense reports significant AFU losses since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region.
Kruhlenke Advance: South of Kruhlenke, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka and cleared a forest belt.
Ukrainian Drone Operation: Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
Code 9.2 Unit Activity: Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.
Drone Strikes Near Sumy: Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
Ministry of Defense Report: 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 several settlements.
Video shows: drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
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.
Russian forces are experiencing significant issues in the Sverdlikivka area: of the Kursk region due to depleted combat potential and logistics issues.
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.
Report of a liquidated North Korean soldier in the Kursk region: by the 80th Galician Brigade.
Report of a military serviceman's suicide in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces report that North Korean soldiers have been rotated out of the Kursk region and replaced with Russian soldiers.
Notes from a destroyed North Korean soldier: The Special Operations Forces deciphered a notebook belonging to a North Korean private named Gyeong Hong Jeong, who was killed in Kursk.
Changes to the Situation: Airstrikes were conducted by Mi-35M helicopters in the border area, targeting Ukrainian strongholds. The "Sever" group successfully advanced in the forest. The video shows drone footage of Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian and North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region.
North Korean Troops: Ukrainian intelligence reports the presence of North Korean troops in the Kursk region. The 47th Brigade reportedly repelled a Russian attack in the Kursk direction, destroying a Russian column of 5 armored vehicles along with personnel.
Ukrainian forces shelled Lgov: killing four people.
Paratroopers from the 98th Airborne Division: shot down a Ukrainian drone.

Kharkiv Region

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 several settlements. Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing in two directions.
Kharkiv Axis: Clashes are reported near several settlements.
Reserves Transfer: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova.
Drone Activity: Increased drone activity was reported, with movements towards Balakliia.
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.
Air Force Reports: The Ukrainian Air Force reported drone activity and threats in the Kharkiv region, with drones being shot down.
Tank Destruction: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
Casualties in Kupiansk: One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
Civilian Hit by Drone: A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
Explosive Strikes: Explosive strikes reported in the region.
Clash near Vovchansk: One clash occurred near Vovchansk.
Airstrikes and Drone Strikes: Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes.
Drone Unit Elimination: A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
"ACHILLES" Battalion Action: 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.
Drone Attack on Russian Position: Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
16th Special Forces Brigade Action: In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
Drone and Armored Vehicle Destruction: Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
Leopard Tank Destruction: A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
Changes to the Situation: Ukrainian forces temporarily ceased power outages in Kharkiv and the surrounding region due to agreements reached with the government and relevant ministries.
Explosion in Kharkiv: The sound of an explosion was heard in Kharkiv, likely outside the city limits.
Zolochiv: Russian forces hit Zolochiv with a guided aerial bomb, killing one civilian and injuring another.
11 Explosions in Kharkiv in 27 Seconds: Video footage shows 11 explosions in Kharkiv within 27 seconds.
NEW: Russian forces advanced in Volchansk and crossed the Volchya River.

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.
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. The Netherlands plans to provide an additional 6 billion euros in 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.
Drone Warfare: Extensive drone warfare continues, with reports of drone attacks and artillery strikes by both sides.

Changes Brought by New Messages

Reports that the former mayor of Vladivostok, convicted of corruption, has joined the special military operation after signing a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense. This could be interpreted as a propaganda move or an attempt to rehabilitate his image.
Confirmation that Ukrainian UAVs were neutralized in the Suvorovsky district of Tula Oblast. This indicates continued attempts by Ukraine to target areas deep inside Russia.
Russian forces advanced in Volchansk (Kharkiv Oblast) and forded the Volchya River, preparing a bridgehead for a further offensive. This is a significant development, indicating a potential new offensive axis in the Kharkiv region.
A report from the police of the Khabarovsk Territory about the suppression of the activities of a local resident who organized a drug den in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. This information does not directly relate to the military situation in Ukraine but indicates internal security issues within Russia.

Updated Situation - December 27, 2024, 01:49 UTC

The conflict in Ukraine intensifies with significant Russian advances in the Donetsk region, particularly in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Vremivka direction. The capture of Storozheve and the advance towards Velyka Novosilka, along with the destruction of a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, represent a substantial shift in the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare continues to be a defining feature, with widespread drone activity across multiple regions. New drone threats are reported in Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnitsa, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Vasylkiv, Brovary, Sumy, Kharkiv, Lubny, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Chuhuiv, Pavlohrad, Zlatopil and Merefa, with air raid alerts issued in multiple Oblasts. Russian forces advanced in Volchansk (Kharkiv Oblast) and forded the Volchya River, preparing a bridgehead for a further offensive. Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Lubny, Poltava, and Sumy Oblasts are under threat of enemy drone attacks. Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts are under threat of enemy drone attacks from the northeast. A missile was intercepted. There is also a new missile threat, with the take-off of Tu-95MS aircraft from the "Olenya" airfield and reports of missile launches, including "Kalibr" missiles. Russian forces conducted airstrikes in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian strongholds, with a new report of a Ka-52M helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold. A high-speed target was detected in Kharkiv Oblast heading towards Poltava Oblast, and a guided air-launched missile was detected in Kharkiv Oblast heading towards Novyi Merchyk. There is also a warning regarding drone activity in Krasnodar Krai. The humanitarian situation is worsening, with reports of civilian casualties and forced evacuations. Allegations of war crimes, including the shooting of Ukrainian POWs, further escalate the severity of the conflict. The situation in the Kremennaya-Terny area and the Kursk region indicates an intensification of fighting and strategic repositioning of forces. Also, Russian forces liberated Novopustynka. 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.