Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 27, 2024, 15:19 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces maintain their operational tempo, particularly in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, with confirmed captures of Ivanivka, Zahryzove, and Novyi Trud. Intense fighting is reported across multiple fronts, especially in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction. In Vremivka, 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. The Russian Ministry of Defense officially confirmed the liberation of Zahryzove (Kharkiv Oblast), Ivanivka (Donetsk Oblast), and Novyi Trud (Donetsk Oblast). Flydubai has canceled flights from Sochi and Minvod to Dubai from December 28 to January 5, citing security threats. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that NATO will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea due to "possible sabotage against underwater cables." 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle 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 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. 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. Russian forces are pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region. Ukrainian Air Force reports a high-speed target moving towards Zaporizhzhia. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a missile threat in the east and guided aerial bombs being launched towards Kharkiv Oblast. Russian artillerymen of the Tsentr Group of Forces reportedly obliterated a Ukrainian stronghold and manpower cluster in the Krasnoarmeysk direction. 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. Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region. 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 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.

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 14:53:48 UTC):

• 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.
• Ukrainian Air Force reports a high-speed target moving towards Zaporizhzhia.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reports a missile threat in the east and guided aerial bombs being launched towards Kharkiv Oblast.
• A video shows a man expressing thanks for receiving thermal blankets from "Two Majors," a group or individuals, along with those involved in their delivery. The soldier is likely positioned in a cold-weather conflict area, showing a reliance on external logistical support for items like thermal blankets.
• A video shows a soldier, likely Russian, wrapped in a camouflage blanket. The overall tone and details suggest ongoing military operations in cold weather, with the potential for night time activity.
• An image depicts a logistics operation involving a civilian vehicle and a large quantity of camouflage material likely destined for Russian allied forces. The focus on camouflage highlights a potential effort to deceive enemy forces or enhance defensive positions.
• A video provides a snapshot of logistical support for troops in what is likely a cold-weather environment. It shows a shipment of camouflaged thermal covers.
• An image displays a situation map highlighting the intense concentration of Russian troops in a particular area. The 7.97 km distance measurement is most likely a way to gauge the Russian military's line of advance and range.
• An image that is a job posting for actors for a New Year's television show in Ukraine. The specific requirements for actors with scars or disabilities, along with military uniforms, suggests a program with realistic war themes or themes related to military personnel.
• A video presents a highly propagandistic narrative by Ramzan Kadyrov, projecting an image of imminent and total Russian victory in the ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
• An image depicts a deployed and operational Caesar Self-Propelled Howitzer in a rural setting. Its presence indicates mobile long-range artillery capability, suggesting a need for mobility and flexible tactical and strategic use.
• A video depicts Ukrainian border guards apprehending individuals who were attempting to illegally cross a border using an inflatable boat. This highlights ongoing border infiltration attempts, possibly involving smuggling.
• A video captures drone footage demonstrating reconnaissance operations. The video identifies a potential position for an "СПГ-9", indicating heavy weapons placements, and a firing position of the Ukrainian armed forces.
• An image reveals that special forces are preparing for an imminent military operation in the Sumy region of Ukraine. The text suggests a planned action of some kind.
• A video depicts a rural area that has been heavily damaged by artillery fire. Multiple explosions occur, and several buildings catch fire. The use of drone surveillance and thermal imaging indicates active reconnaissance and targeting efforts.
• An image contains a short phrase in Russian: "Special forces in Sumy are preparing. I say - something will happen, it definitely will."
• An image is a screen capture of an article from the German publication Handelsblatt. The article features a quote from Aleksandar Vučić, the president of Serbia. The quote translates to: "With Donald Trump, we will get closer to peace".
• An image is a stark reminder of the grim realities of conflict, highlighting the death, destruction, and potential delays in body recovery. The visual of decomposed remains along with military gear points to a protracted conflict where significant casualties have occurred.
• An image shows an official decree ("УКАЗ") from the Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, dated December 27, 2024. It declares a day of mourning (December 28th) due to a plane crash involving an Embraer 190 on the Baku-Grozny route near Aktau, Kazakhstan on December 25th.
• An image shows a Mi-8 helicopter of the Polish military operating in a field environment. This suggests active transport and logistical support, potentially part of ongoing military operations, exercises, or rapid deployments.
• An image shows a likely logistical operation in a cold-climate region, involving military and civilian personnel. The presence of a military vehicle, boxed supplies, and a structured meeting suggest that support activities are underway.
• An image depicts SBU personnel examining evidence in a makeshift setting, likely as part of an intelligence gathering or law enforcement operation related to the ongoing conflict.
• An image captures a moment in an apparent logistics operation, with supplies being delivered via a green UAZ Patriot. The items appear to be intended for military personnel, as evidenced by the label on a cardboard box and the presence of a military-associated vehicle.
• An image is a clear example of propaganda labeling two individuals as "traitors." It is likely being used in the context of ongoing military operations to shape public opinion, identify perceived collaborators, and contribute to information warfare.
• An image depicts a logistical operation involving the transportation of radio communication equipment via an SUV. This suggests a potential enhancement of communication capabilities, implying an ongoing operation where logistical support is needed.
• An image shows a civilian building in what appears to be an open urban environment. The building itself isn't a high-value military target, but its multiple windows, doorways and relatively central location make it adaptable for temporary refuge, surveillance, or if needed as a base for military use.
• An image is a political cartoon that uses dark humor and symbolism to comment on the situation surrounding forced mobilization and conscription in Russia.
• A video primarily features a Russian self-propelled artillery (SPA) system, specifically a 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, a relatively new system being deployed.
• An image depicts a firefighter in full protective gear, walking towards the viewer against a backdrop of intense fire and destruction.
• A video is a report from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, focusing on a case of illegal privatization of a state-owned building in Kherson. The video features officials, and footage of the planetarium exterior, interior and equipment. It discusses the efforts taken to reclaim the building for state ownership through legal channels.
• An image shows a row of bicycles, likely cargo bikes, with a distinctive basket in front. A banner is prominently displayed on one of the bicycle baskets. It contains Ukrainian text ("Гуманітарна місія ПРОЛІСКА" and "Гуманітарний фонд для України") along with the abbreviation "ГФУ".
• An image shows a large number of tricycles, likely new, lined up. The tricycles are black and appear to be primarily designed for cargo or practical use.
• An image depicts what appears to be a humanitarian aid distribution activity, potentially with a logistically focused aspect to it, rather than direct military operations.
• A document is a decree from the President of the Russian Federation. Specifically, this decree focuses on providing a monthly social benefit to the children of certain categories of military personnel.
• A Presidential Decree from December 26, 2024 highlights ongoing issues with missing soldiers and establishes new monthly social payments related to military service in Russia.
• An image displays a website header for a Ukrainian resource called "На зв'язку" (On Connection).
• An image depicts a press conference being held at what appears to be a media center, specifically associated with "UKRINFORM".
• An image captures a press briefing given by Ukrainian military officers at a UKRINFORM event, indicating a deliberate attempt to communicate official information regarding the ongoing military conflict.
• An image displays a website interface called "На зв'язку" (On Connection), which is hosted on a Ukrainian government domain (zsu.gov.ua).
• A video shows two distinct aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky. The top aircraft appears to be a conventional fighter jet. The bottom aircraft is a unique, stealth-like, flying-wing design.
• A video shows two individuals, likely Russian soldiers, in a destroyed location, handling a Czech-made CZ BREN 2 assault rifle. They are also seen using and demonstrating a Kalashnikov AK-74 assault rifle with a red polymer magazine.
• An image shows German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The caption states that he believes Putin has been defeated in Ukraine on all points.
• A video shows a staged dance performance in a public retail location for entertainment.

Changes Brought by New Messages

• A video shows a soldier expressing thanks for receiving thermal blankets, highlighting the reliance on external logistical support.
• The "Two Majors" Telegram channel posted a photo of a soldier in camouflage, possibly signaling ongoing military operations in cold weather.
• The "Two Majors" Telegram channel also shared an image of camouflage material being unloaded from a civilian vehicle, suggesting non-standard logistics and preparations for concealment.
• A video from the "Two Majors" channel shows a soldier receiving thermal blankets, emphasizing the importance of logistical support in cold weather.
• The channel "Basurin on the Main" shared an image suggesting a strategic withdrawal of Ukrainian forces to the Dnipro River.
• "Butusov Plus" shared a video of Ramzan Kadyrov predicting Russia's victory in 2024 and the capture of Volchansk.
• "Archangel Spetsnaza Z" posted an image of a job advertisement for actors with disabilities for a New Year's show in Kyiv, possibly indicating an attempt to portray a sense of normalcy or to use the event for propaganda.
• "Operative ZSU" shared an image of a Caesar self-propelled howitzer, highlighting the presence of this advanced artillery system in the conflict.
• "Tsaplienko_Ukraine Fights" posted a video of Ukrainian border guards detaining individuals attempting to illegally cross into Hungary, indicating ongoing issues with border security and illegal migration.
• "Older Edda" discussed the continued military support for Ukraine from the West, suggesting that the conflict will persist into 202