Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 27, 2024, 05:19 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces maintain significant advancements, particularly in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Intense fighting is reported across multiple fronts, with Ukrainian forces under pressure in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare is a dominant feature, with both sides using drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Russian forces launched a new offensive in the Kharkiv region, fording the Volchya River and establishing a bridgehead near Volchansk. 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. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging drones in multiple regions, with new reports of drone movements in Chernihiv, Kyiv, Poltava, and Cherkasy Oblasts. Air raid alerts are in effect for Kyiv and other regions due to drone threats, with new threats reported in Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnitsa, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Vasylkiv, Brovary, Sumy, Kharkiv, Lubny, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Chuhuiv, Pavlohrad, Zlatopil and Merefa. Russian air defenses report shooting down drones and a missile over multiple regions, including Kursk, Bryansk, Tula, Belgorod, and Astrakhan Oblasts. A Russian missile carrier with up to 4 Kalibr missiles is reported in the Black Sea, while the Azov Sea remains clear of enemy ships. Temporary flight restrictions were imposed at several airports, including Sochi, Kazan, Volgograd, and Astrakhan, due to security concerns. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage reported. Coordinated missile and drone strikes 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. 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.

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 new offensive in the Kharkiv region, with the crossing of the Volchya River and the establishment of a bridgehead near Volchansk, indicates a significant escalation and the opening of a new front. 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. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces may have captured a North Korean soldier, although this is disputed by Russian sources. 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 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. The upcoming visit of Canadian officials to consult with the Trump administration may be a significant development regarding the trajectory of US policy.

Key Developments

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.
Ukrainian UAVs neutralized in the Suvorovsky district of Tula Oblast.
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.
New reports of drone movements:
- Chernihiv Oblast: Drones moving towards Kyiv Oblast, course south-west. A new report indicates drones moving towards Kyiv Oblast, course west.
- Poltava Oblast: Drones in the north-east, course south-west. Drones on the border with Cherkasy Oblast, course east. A new report indicates drones in the south and northeast, course southwest.
- Cherkasy Oblast: Drones on the border with Kyiv Oblast, course west.
- Kyiv Oblast: Drones north of Kyiv, course west.
Air raid alerts issued for Kyiv and several other Oblasts due to the threat of attack drones.
A Ukrainian source reports a successful ambush on Russian forces, using intelligence gathered through internet surveillance and a humanitarian aid ruse. The attack reportedly involved HIMARS and resulted in significant casualties. The source and location of this incident are not specified.
Several villages in the Grayvoron district of Belgorod Oblast were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack.
Extensive drone warfare continues across the region, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
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.
In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, operators of the 375th OPTADN used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot.
13 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight by air defense systems over Russian territory. 5 were shot down over Bryansk Oblast, 3 over Kursk Oblast, 2 each over Belgorod and Tula Oblasts, and 1 over Astrakhan Oblast.
A video shows a Russian attack drone stopping its advance to allow an elderly woman to dispose of garbage, highlighting the human element amidst the conflict.
A video features a Russian electronic warfare (EW) unit commander discussing the challenges posed by Ukrainian drones and the importance of EW in countering them.

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.
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.
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.

Military Aid

US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine, according to the White House press service.
The Netherlands plans to provide an additional 6 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.

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.
Russian forces advanced in Volchansk and crossed the Volchya River.
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 new report indicates a Ka-52M helicopter struck a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.
- A Russian soldier was reported missing in action in the Kursk region on December 25th.
- Drone operators from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
- The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
- Explosions were reported in Kyiv-controlled Kherson.
- Russian forces are clearing Russkoye Porechnoye.
- Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
- The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoye, advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
- Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
- Calculations of the MLRS "Grad" group of troops "North" destroyed strongholds and infantry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
- Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones in Poltava in the direction of the city from the north. A new group of hostile strike UAVs are entering the airspace of Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
- Russian forces reportedly liberated Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kamyshovka.
- Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka, advancing up to 1200 meters near Nikolaevo-Daryino, Leonidovo, Russkaya Porechnaya, and Kurilovka.
- South of Kruhlenky, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka, clearing a forest belt and gaining 1.6 km. They are also advancing towards Leonidove.
Vremivka Direction:
- Russian forces are advancing, with reports of over 800 meters gained.
- The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Storozheve.
- Rogov reported the beginning of battles for the liberation of Neskuchne in DPR.
- Russian forces are reportedly attacking Velyka Novosilka from both sides.
- Russian forces are processing the approaches to Neskuchne.
- Occupation authorities in Huliaipole are concerned about the situation, with rumors of a potential Russian offensive.
- 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.
Chasiv Yar:
- Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes.
- Fighting continues in the urban areas of Chasiv Yar.
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.
- Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka during the assault on Yaseneve from the north and east.
- Fighting for Novovasylivka continues.
- "Otvazhnye" forces are making a powerful push near Pokrovsk, initiating assaults on Solone, Novovasylivka, and Novoelizavetivka.
Huliaipole Direction: Russian forces improved their tactical position north of Marfopil and south of Malynivka.
Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction: Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka during the assault on Yaseneve from the north and east. Fighting for Novovasylivka continues.
Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that as a result of decisive offensive actions, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units liberated Novy Trud (Donetsk People's Republic).
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defenses.
Heavy fighting continues around several settlements, including Shevchenko, Pischane, and Novotroyitske, with Russian forces making incremental gains.
Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week.
Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny.
On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, and Makiyivka.
Russian forces established control over positions east of Novoyvanovka and were noted to be present on the western bank of the Oskol River in Dvurechnaya on the Kupyansk front.
Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district, and took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo.
Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions west of Nechaev in the direction of Russkogo Porechnogo.
Russian forces are advancing east from Kruglenkogo, capturing 1km of territory.
North of Kruhlenky Russian forces dislodged Ukrainian forces for 2 km.
Russian forces are pushing along the Gluboky Yar gully, clearing forest areas.
One clash occurred near Vovchansk.
Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes.
Russian forces carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions.
Ukrainian forces inflicted losses on Russian forces, including 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.
Russian forces liberated Lozovaya.
In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy unsuccessfully stormed the positions of our units six times in the areas of Kozacha Lopan, Vysokaya Yaruga and Vovchansk.
On the Kupyansk direction, four enemy attacks took place during the day. The Defense Forces repelled the enemy's assault actions near Petropavlivka and Kruhlyakivka.
Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces lost more than 230 troops and two tanks in the Kursk direction.
Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 43,740 troops, 255 tanks, 194 infantry fighting vehicles, 136 armored personnel carriers, 1,318 armored fighting vehicles, 1,182 motor vehicles, 324 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 80 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 28 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, seven armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.
The Ministry of Defense reports that Russian troops defeated formations of 5 mechanized, 3 airborne assault brigades, a marine brigade, and 4 territorial defense brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Aleksandria, Viktorovka, Kositsa, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Nikolaevka, Nikolaevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Three counterattacks by enemy assault groups were repelled. As a result of air strikes and artillery fire, Ukrainian manpower and equipment were destroyed near Guyevo, Kruglenkoye, Melovoy, Nikolsky, and Staraya Sorochina, as well as Basovka, Belovody, Vodolagi, and Zhuravka in the Sumy region.
Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area. 32 combat clashes, 19 in Kursk region. Ukrainian forces repelled 42 Russian assaults, 19 as of 16:00 UTC.
Russian troops liberated more than 5 square kilometers of the territory of the DPR and advanced from the settlement of Zarya towards Yasenev, Rogov told TASS.
The Russian Council of Ulema of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims revoked the fatwa on polygamy.
Almost 4.4 thousand civilians in Russia have been injured since January as a result of attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and almost 800 people, including 50 children, have died.
Another 500-kilogram aerial bomb was dropped by a Russian plane onto the Belgorod region.
US Senator Rand Paul stated that the US authorities spent millions of dollars to support Ukrainian bloggers.
Four defendants in the case of supplying low-quality bulletproof vests to the Ministry of Defense in the amount of about 2 billion rubles pleaded guilty.
Criminal cases on failure to fulfill the duties of a "foreign agent" were opened against the editor-in-chief of "Mediazona" Sergei Smirnov and the former editor-in-chief of Republic, the founder of the Yekaterinburg publication It's my City Dmitry Kolezev.
NATO Secretary General reportedly asked Zelensky to stop criticizing Scholz over Taurus missiles.
The Russian Council of Ulema of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims revoked the fatwa on polygamy.
Discussions between US and Ukrainian officials on ending the war.
NATO to coordinate military aid to Ukraine.
Discussions on sending European troops to Ukraine.
Video discussion on the future of Georgia, its sovereignty, traditional values, and the failed Western attempt to organize a coup in the country.
87 children were reunited with their relatives in Ukraine, and another 15 children returned to their loved ones in Russia, Lvova-Belova reported.
The Russian government has banned mining in 10 Russian regions in the North Caucasus, Donbas and Novorossiya.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of drones in Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava Oblast, in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to the south-west and west, in Chernihiv Oblast to the west, and new groups in the east of Kharkiv Oblast to the west.
In Kherson, the overall situation is discussed, including opinions and data. There are no new troop formations or units, except for the newly created 91st Separate River Boat Brigade.
Explosions were heard in Pavlohrad.
Residents of Nizhyn (Chernihiv region) are advised to take shelter due to the threat of an enemy drone.
Drone movement has been detected in the Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions, specifically near Nizhyn.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
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.
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.
In the Kursk region, air defense forces destroyed three Ukrainian drones and a missile.
The Russian Navy reports one missile carrier in the Black Sea with a total salvo of up to 4 Kalibr missiles. No enemy ships were detected in the Azov Sea.
Temporary flight restrictions were introduced at Kazan airport from 06:00 Moscow time to ensure the safety of civil aircraft flights.
Temporary flight restrictions were imposed at the airports of Volgograd and Astrakhan. Three flights were delayed.

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.
December 27 is the Day of Remembrance of General of the Army Vasily Margelov.
Russian sources are disputing the claim that a North Korean soldier was captured by Ukrainian forces, calling it propaganda and citing an old photo from Reddit.

Updated Situation - December 27, 2024, 05:19 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

Situation Report