Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 27, 2024, 14:19 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces maintain their advance, notably in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, with confirmed captures of Ivanivka and Zahryzove. Intense fighting continues across multiple fronts, particularly in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction, where Russian forces have reportedly cut off the last paved road supplying the Ukrainian garrison in Velyka Novosilka. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces report successes in repelling attacks, inflicting significant losses on Russian troops, and conducting special operations. However, reports also indicate Ukrainian forces are withdrawing towards the main defense line near the Dnipro River. 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. Reports indicate a potential strategic pact between Russia and Iran. US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine. The Pentagon has refused to comment on reports of a downed F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to several Russian cities due to safety concerns. Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down all previously reported drones. 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. Russian MoD officially confirms the liberation of Zahryzove (Kharkiv Oblast) and Ivanivka (Donetsk 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 reported liberation of Zahryzove, indicates a significant escalation. 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. The reported withdrawal of Ukrainian forces towards the Dnipro River suggests a major shift in defensive strategy.

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 special operation resulting in the elimination of three Russian officers. 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. The death of a captured North Korean soldier from wounds has been reported by a South Korean news outlet. A video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory. 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 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.

Over the past week, the Russian Armed Forces carried out 1 massive and 37 group strikes with high-precision weapons and drones on energy facilities in Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The massive explosion that sunk the Russian cargo ship "Ursa Major" off the coast of Spain, and the refusal of a Norwegian ship to render aid, add another layer of complexity to the conflict, particularly regarding maritime incidents and international law. The captain of the Norwegian ship may face legal repercussions for refusing to render aid, as per the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

New Developments Since Last Report (2024-12-27 13:53:59 UTC):

Reports indicate that equipment from Japan and Germany is being used in the production of the "Oreshnik" missile.
A Russian soldier who returned from the war and had a prior criminal record reportedly killed an acquaintance in the Pskov region.
Russian propaganda video circulating, depicting the Russian air defense shooting down Santa Claus over the Kremlin.
Reports that the Prime Minister of Denmark has stocked up on canned goods due to fears of a Russian attack.
Video allegedly showing candies from occupied Donetsk being sold in Israel.
Reports that the commander of a battalion of the "South" regiment, with the call sign "Valdai," is well known to subscribers from the beginning of the battles for the Kursk region.
A video shows drone footage of a Russian soldier loading a modified drone with grenades and deploying it.
A video shows the aftermath of a plane crash in an arid field, with emergency responders present. A passenger claims survival due to divine intervention, while speculation arises about potential financial influence on the investigation.
An image allegedly depicts the aftermath of a plane crash in Kazakhstan, with claims that the plane was shot down by the "Akhmat" unit. This claim should be treated with caution and requires further verification.
Reports of increased security at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.
Reports that Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to several Russian cities for safety reasons.
Azerbaijan Airlines states that the preliminary cause of the plane crash near Aktau was "physical and technical external impact."
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a fair investigation into the plane crash in Kazakhstan, suggesting possible damage from a Russian anti-aircraft system.
Seven members of the 101st Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff Guard surrendered to the 132nd Brigade of the 51st Army of the Southern Military District near Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk).
An image shared by "Оперативний ЗСУ" alleges corruption within the Kyiv City Military Administration, specifically involving fraudulent disability claims to avoid military service.
Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan are set to join BRICS as partner countries starting January 1, 2025. Four additional countries have also been invited.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of enemy tactical aviation in the northeast. A threat of using aviation means of destruction for frontline regions.
Guided aerial bombs launched in the direction of Sumy.
A Russian soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
Reports of increased security at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.
Reports that Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to several Russian cities for safety reasons.
Flydubai has canceled flights from Sochi and Minvod to Dubai from December 28 to January 5, citing security threats.
Russian artillerymen of the Tsentr Group of Forces reportedly obliterated a Ukrainian stronghold and manpower cluster in the Krasnoarmeysk direction using indirect fire from a range of about 10 kilometers.
Russian forces tracked the route of a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone, identified the location of a Ukrainian strongpoint, and destroyed a supply drop intended for the Ukrainian forces.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that NATO will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea due to "possible sabotage against underwater cables."
The Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, Rashad Nabiyev, commented on the plane crash near Aktau, stating that the preliminary cause was "external interference" and that the debris and witness accounts support this theory.
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 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 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 military analyst Butusov reports that Ukrainian forces are gradually withdrawing to the main defense line near the Dnipro River. He states that the situation is deteriorating, with Russian forces approaching settlements and showing no signs of stopping.
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 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 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.
Russian forces are pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.

Detailed Analysis by Region

Donetsk Oblast

Kurakhove: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove and are advancing. They have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka. Clashes continue near Kurakhove, Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, Kostyantynopil, and Andriyivka. Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Kotlyne, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Kostyantynopil, and Andriyivka.
Vremivka Direction: Russian forces captured Storozheve and formed a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka. They also liberated Uspenovka and Novyi Komar. Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket", and Russian forces have reportedly encircled Ukrainian forces in Makarivka. Clashes continue near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka. Russian forces are reportedly maneuvering to encircle Ukrainian forces near Velyka Novosilka.
Toretsk: Street fighting continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. They captured two objects on the outskirts of the "Central" mine spoil heap and made gains in the Khomkolonka microdistrict. Clashes continue near Toretsk, Dyliyivka, Dachne, Bila Hora, and Scherbynivka.
Chasiv Yar: Fighting continues, with Russian forces controlling over half of the city. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances. They retook positions at the fire-resistant compound and partially dislodged Ukrainian forces. Clashes continue near Stupochky and Predtechyne. Ukrainian forces report successful counterattacks, stabilizing the situation.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky. They are storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka. High-intensity battles are ongoing near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske, Novyy Trud, Novotroyitske, Novoyelyzavetivka, Novoolenivka, Novopustynka, and Vozdvyzhenka. Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reached its outskirts, and liberated Veselyi Gai. Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk.
Other: Russian forces are launching guided aerial bombs in the southern part of the Donetsk region. The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs. Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment has reportedly liberated Elizavetovka. In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna. Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate. Near Novoocheretuvate, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack involving 5 units of equipment. Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses, including 145 soldiers in the past 24 hours. Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka. Ongoing battles are reported near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk itself. Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, Velyka Novosilka of Donetsk region. Residents of the liberated village of Ostrovskoe in the DPR reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.

Kursk Region

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. They liberated Novoivanovka.
Russian forces are conducting an offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoye, advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Heavy fighting continues, with Ukrainian forces conducting unsuccessful counterattacks. Ukrainian forces repelled 46 Russian army assaults.
A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was observed in the region.
Rylsk came under heavy shelling, reportedly from ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions.
Ukrainian forces reportedly installed a Christmas tree in Sudzha.
Russian Defense Ministry reports that over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces lost over 300 troops, two tanks (including one U.S.-made Abrams), three infantry fighting vehicles (including one U.S.-made Bradley, one German-made Marder, and one Swedish-made CV-90), three armored fighting vehicles (including one U.S.-made Stryker and two M113s), three armored fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, four mortars, one U.S.-made M88 armored recovery vehicle, and eight motor vehicles in the Kursk direction.
The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
A gas pipe was damaged in Rylsk, disrupting gas supplies to several houses, and heat supply has been disrupted in 88 houses due to the shelling.
17 objects of cultural heritage in Rylsk were damaged as a result of the shelling.
14 residents of Rylsk are being treated in the Kursk Regional Clinical Hospital, with minor injuries.
A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region. Another Ukrainian soldier reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary.
Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat 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.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Russian forces are towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
An Arctic battalion of the 40th Guards Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet is clearing Russian land in the Kursk region. Video from Sudoplatov.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the Spear Group of the 118th Territorial Defense Brigade, reportedly repelled a Russian assault using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles in the Siversk direction.
Paratroopers are pushing Ukrainian units back from the Kursk region. Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment from Feodosia liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district. 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.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops in the Kursk region, describing them as ruthless, operating independently, and even firing on Russian drones. He also mentioned that they had better food and took better care of their dead than the Russian commanders did.
HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces reportedly used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, resulting in heavy losses.
Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reported on the frontline and the areas of the Kursk operation. There are already over three thousand wounded and killed North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region.
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 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.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.

Kremennaya-Terny

Active combat operations near Kremennaya.
Russian forces advanced in Terny and expanded their control, pushing towards Borova.
Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
Russian forces are successfully storming Zahryzove, pushing through enemy defenses near Lozova (which the Russian Ministry of Defense previously announced as liberated) and Zelenyi Hai, moving towards Borova. They have also made progress from Pervomaiske towards Cheneshchyna.

Kharkiv Region

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.
Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
Russian forces liberated Lozovaya.
Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
Explosive strikes reported in the region.
One clash occurred near Vovchansk.
Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes.
Russian forces carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions.
Ukrainian forces inflicted losses on Russian forces, including 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade, operating heavy night bombers, are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
In the Kupyansk area

Situation Report