Sitrep 2024-12-27 08:54:01

Updated Situation: December 27, 2024, 08:49 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces continue to advance, particularly in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, with intense fighting 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 forces report successes in repelling attacks, inflicting losses on Russian troops, and conducting special operations resulting in the elimination of three Russian officers. 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. US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine. Reports of Russian advances have emerged, with claims of improved positions near Velyka Novosilka, the capture of most of Zahryzove, and advances on the road to Huliaipole. The Pentagon has refused to comment on reports of a downed F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Strategic Analysis

The overall situation remains 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 notable successes, including a well-planned ambush and a special operation resulting in the elimination of three Russian officers, 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. The reported statement by Dmitry Medvedev about the need to "punish Europe" and the unlikelihood of friendship between Russia and the US in the next century reflects the deeply entrenched hostility and strategic calculations driving Russian actions. The reported arrest of a US citizen for collecting data for the Pentagon adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, highlighting the ongoing espionage and counterintelligence activities. The impeachment of the acting president of South Korea creates further geopolitical instability.

The Pentagon's refusal to comment on the alleged downing of an F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast is notable. While not a confirmation, it is an unusual move that could indicate the report's veracity or a desire to avoid revealing sensitive information. This incident, if confirmed, would have significant implications for the conflict, particularly regarding the potential involvement of Western-supplied advanced aircraft and the ongoing debate over providing Ukraine with F-16s.

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.
- Mykolaiv Oblast: Under threat of enemy drone attacks.
- Zhytomyr Oblast: Under threat of enemy drone attacks.
- Lubny: Under threat of enemy drone attacks.
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.
Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove direction.
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.
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.
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 using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones approaching Zhytomyr and Ozerne from the northeast.
Increased drone activity in Kharkiv and Poltava regions, with drones moving west/southwest. New drones entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones:
- New drones entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk, moving southwest.
- Drones in eastern and western Poltava Oblast, moving west.
- Drones in northeastern Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
- Drones are reported in the center of Poltava Oblast, moving northwest, and on the west of Sumy Oblast, moving southwest. A drone is reported on the northeast of Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Two drones west of Poltava, moving northwest. Five drones near Konotop, moving southwest.
City of Pryluky (Chernihiv Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast.
The Air Force reports the movement of enemy drones:
- Drones in the west of Poltava region, course - west / southwest;
- Drones in the north of Sumy region, course - south-west;
- Drones in the center of Chernihiv region, course - south / south-west;
- Drones in the east of Kyiv region, course - west / north-west;
- Drones on the border of Kirovohrad and Odesa regions, course - west.
Enemy drone is moving in the direction of Cherkasy from the southeast.
1 drone is approaching Boryspil. 2 drones are flying from Poltava region to Cherkasy. 1 drone is flying from Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia. 3 drones are in Pryluky area, heading southwest. 3 new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest.
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.
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.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
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.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Russian forces report that 10 Ukrainian drones were destroyed during a morning attack.
A Russian drone operator claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
A Russian source reports that 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.
Russian forces report that 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.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
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.
Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones approaching Zhytomyr and Ozerne from the northeast.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
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.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Russian forces report that 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.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
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.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, causing damage to the market and injuring 8 civilians, 7 of them being hospitalized. One woman is in critical condition and 3 are in severe condition.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
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.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
A Russian drone operator claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
A Russian source reports that 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.
Russian forces report that 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.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
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.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Russian forces report that 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.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
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.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report that 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 shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
A video shows drone footage of a Russian soldier loading a modified drone with grenades and deploying it.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
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.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Operators of drones from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab" on the Kupyansk front. The drone identified the target, and artillery subsequently destroyed it.
Ukrainian forces report that 13 enemy UAVs were shot down, and 11 drones did not reach their targets. The Air Force, along with air defense units, repelled an attack by two "Iskander-M" ballistic missiles and 24 "Shahed" drones.

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.
NATO Secretary General reportedly asked Zelensky to stop criticizing Scholz over Taurus missiles.
Discussions between US and Ukrainian officials on ending the war.
NATO to coordinate military aid to Ukraine.
Discussions on sending European troops to Ukraine.
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 and wished for peace in the New Year.
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.
US Senator Rand Paul stated that the US authorities spent millions of dollars to support Ukrainian bloggers.
The Russian Council of Ulema of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims revoked the fatwa on polygamy.
Medvedev stated that such things as the refusal of the Norwegian ship to accept the sinking Russian sailors "cannot be forgiven." He also added that it is necessary to help any destructive processes in Europe.
Medvedev is confident that friendship between the Russian Federation and the United States will not be foreseen in the next 100 years, but "it is expensive to fight."
"The biggest enemy of the United States is themselves," the PRC Ministry of Defense said at a press conference, adding that the new US military budget adopted by Biden poses a threat to the entire world.
South Korean Constitutional Court begins impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol for imposing martial law.
Czech Republic states it will not invest in Ukraine due to rampant corruption, citing issues with local elites controlling permits and decisions in Poltava.
US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly trying to shift the responsibility for providing military aid to Ukraine to European countries.
Lavrov states that a truce in Ukraine would be a dead end. Russia demands reliable agreements.
Lavrov expresses hope that the Trump administration will understand the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine. Russia is ready for consultations.
Biden expresses outrage over Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. He pledges continued US and international support for Kyiv and instructs the Pentagon to increase arms supplies.
Lavrov hopes that the Trump administration will understand the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine. Russia is ready for consultations.
Lavrov says that a truce in Ukraine would be a dead end now. Russia will not be satisfied with empty talk about a settlement, and final legal agreements are required.
Lavrov suggests that the first step to restoring contacts with Russia should be taken by the US, which severed them after the start of the special operation.
Lavrov states that decision-making centers in Kyiv could be targets for Russian strikes, but Russia never strikes civilian targets in response.
Vucic held a telephone conversation with Zelensky, thanking him for Serbia's financial support to Ukraine and coordinating efforts on their joint path to the EU.
The European Union is planning to strengthen the protection of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea, following a series of suspected attacks on critical infrastructure.
A Norwegian ship reportedly refused to rescue Russian sailors from a sinking vessel, prompting condemnation from Russian officials.
The parliament of South Korea has impeached the acting president, Han Duck-soo.
Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev demanded punishment for the Norwegians who refused to rescue Russian sailors from a sunken cargo ship off the coast of Spain.
The Parliament of South Korea voted to impeach the acting president, Han Duck-soo.
An American accused of collecting medical data for the Pentagon to create a genetic screening system in the US was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

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.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports that Russia used about 100 "Geran" drones overnight to deplete Ukrainian air defenses.
Biden expresses outrage over Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. He pledges continued US and international support for Kyiv and instructs the Pentagon to increase arms supplies.

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. New strikes reported in Kharkiv, targeting open areas and damaging buildings and vehicles.
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. Four survivors are in intensive care.
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.