Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 27, 2024, 16:19 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces maintain 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. Ukrainian forces are withdrawing towards the main defense line near the Dnipro River. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. 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. The US will allocate another arms package to Ukraine in the coming days, including air defense systems. A Ukrainian political analyst states that any actual negotiations require stopping Russian advances, otherwise, Putin will remain under the illusion that he can win the war.

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. The involvement of North Korean troops adds complexity and raises concerns about potential escalation.

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.

New Developments Since Last Report (2024-12-27 15:53:38 UTC)

• The US will allocate another arms package to Ukraine in the coming days, including air defense systems.
• China unveiled a new aircraft carrier, the "Sichuan," with a displacement of 40,000 tons and a length of 260 meters, capable of carrying up to 1,000 marines and equipped with an electromagnetic catapult for launching aircraft and drones.
• Ramzan Kadyrov offered his congratulations to the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, Alexander Kurenkov, and the head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the Chechen Republic, Alikhan Tsakaev, on the Day of the Rescuer.
• Ukraine's Air Force reports activity of enemy tactical aviation in the northeast.
• 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.
• 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.
• In Kazakhstan, mambets declared jihad on the Tanuki network, whose call center operators turned out not to know the Kazakh language. Now the network is being shit on in social networks and negative reviews are being written. Owner Orlov is unlucky. And the dill sent him to hell, and in Russia he was put on the wanted list, and now the mambets in Kazakhstan are shitting. Maybe someone jinxed it?
• A video shows a phone screen displaying the phone number +77273393030, along with "Алматы" ("Almaty" in Russian). It also displays a fluctuating series of vertical lines and an accompanying conversation between a man and a woman. The man is speaking in Kazakh and the woman is speaking in Russian. The man makes a series of requests in Kazakh, which the woman indicates she cannot understand. At the end of the video, the woman says, "Смотрите, у нас единая служба доставки, у нас Россия, Казахстан, и Узбекистан. К сожалению, операторов, которые говорят на казахском языке у нас нет, только на русском." (Look, we have a single delivery service; we have Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Unfortunately, we don't have any operators who speak Kazakh; only in Russian). The man then attempts to clarify in Kazakh and the video ends.
• The image is titled "Balkan Direction, Serbia" and shows a complex interplay of political and economic influences in Serbia. It highlights Serbia's multi-vector foreign policy, balancing relationships with Russia, China, the US, France, and the EU, while also aspiring to join NATO. The image includes the Serbian flag, a cartoonish figure (likely a political leader), the US flag, the Department of State seal, the NATO logo, EU stars, a Russian flag, a Chinese flag, French flags alongside two fighter jets, and text indicating protests in Serbia. The text "Sale of US ammunition in the interest of Ukraine" suggests US involvement in the region, potentially supplying ammunition to Ukraine via Serbia. The presence of the French flag alongside fighter jets with the text "Supply of French Military equipment" implies that Serbia is purchasing military hardware from France. The image also indicates internal political divisions and potential instability in Serbia, with protests suggesting dissatisfaction with the government's direction.
• A video shows an aerial view of an active military engagement where a tank or armored vehicle is targeted by air-delivered weapons, possibly drones or aircraft. The terrain and position of the vehicle indicate the potential use of natural cover. The video is released by the Russian Ministry of Defense which provides an insight into their capabilities and perspective. The imagery could impact strategic decisions regarding target prioritization and tactical maneuvers.
• Multiple images and accompanying text promote a calendar featuring the image of former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, along with other Soviet-era figures and symbols. The calendar is described as "totalitarian" and is intended to evoke nostalgia for the Soviet era. The text also mentions that the calendars can be downloaded for free or ordered in a large, flip-calendar format with quotes from Stalin about the achievements of socialism.
• An image shows a framed artwork featuring a person holding a hockey scarf and an artistic rendering of a winter scene with a hockey rink. The frame is constructed from hockey sticks, suggesting an emphasis on sport and recreation. The image is devoid of overt military themes and depicts civilian leisure.
• An image depicts a modern stadium with a large surrounding plaza, currently used for civilian recreational purposes. The stadium is a large, prominent structure with a curved roof, a large display screen, and a distinctive mesh exterior design. The image also shows a large paved plaza surrounding the stadium and an additional smaller structure in the background. People are seen walking towards and around the stadium, some carrying flags, suggesting an event or sporting occasion.
• A video showcases the construction of a new ice hockey arena in Russia. The video includes shots of heavy machinery in operation within a large building project, as well as scenes of the completed arena. The video also features a presentation of a painting depicting the future facade of the arena.
• A video shows two distinct aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky. The top aircraft appears to be a conventional fighter jet, possibly a variant of the Su-27 family. The bottom aircraft is a unique, stealth-like, flying-wing design, strongly resembling a prototype or operational drone of the type associated with stealth UAV designs, such as the GJ-11 Sharp Sword or similar. The two aircraft are flying in separate, somewhat offset formations, not in an obvious escort or engagement formation.
• A video presents a summary of the "Rubezh" forum for young activists, focusing on their training in skills pertinent to current military operations, alongside some elements of humanitarian aid. The video shows that participants trained to be stormtroopers, paramedics, sappers, and war correspondents. They also received training in drone operation, the construction of devices for dropping small payloads, basic engineering skills, disaster relief, clearing debris, and fire suppression. The video also shows participants involved in making and providing humanitarian aid, specifically mentioning the manufacture of devices for dropping humanitarian goods from drones in war zones.
• An image shows a news headline from the Polish website wyborcza.pl, which reads "Lonely, sick, outside the system. What awaits foreign volunteers fighting in Ukraine?". The headline points to a critical issue concerning the welfare of foreign fighters involved in the conflict in Ukraine. The source, Wyborcza.pl, suggests a pro-democracy and solidarity stance, likely sympathetic to the Ukrainian cause.
• A video shows a bleak woodland scene, likely the aftermath of a military engagement. The main focus is on the bodies of fallen soldiers, scattered across the forest floor. The video also reveals a shallow excavated pit, seemingly used as a hasty shelter or position. The videographer speaks briefly, making disparaging comments about the fallen soldiers.
• An image depicts a recently constructed memorial at a gravesite. It features a portrait of a man named "Egor Prosvirnin" who was born on April 3, 1986, and died on December 27, 2021. There are also three red memorial candles and a rosary on the gravestone. The presence of a red and white barrier suggests this could be a public space or cemetery. The "Участок 20-А" inscription seems like a section or plot number of the cemetery.
• An image shows a decree ("УКАЗ") from the President of the Russian Federation establishing a "Scientific-Expert Council" (научно-экспертный совет) under the Security Council of the Russian Federation. The council is tasked with enhancing the "scientific-methodological and expert-analytical support" for the Security Council's activities. The decree is dated December 27, 2024.
• A video features an interview with a man discussing the ongoing military conflict. He discusses the recent emergence of news, which he believes can bring realism to the situation; overly optimistic expectations that some Ukrainian politicians and part of society may be entertaining, such as the war ending soon, along with subsequent elections; Putin's unwillingness to freeze the conflict, suggesting that instead he's pushing for a full victory; the scenario favored by Trump, a freeze, potentially entailing a cease-fire along the front lines with concessions to Russia such as a moratorium on Ukraine’s NATO membership; Russia's consistent demonstration of a desire not for a frozen conflict, but a total victory over Ukraine, and acceptance of unilateral concessions from Ukraine; the need for Ukrainians to prepare for a different scenario outside of such peace talks; that any actual negotiations, though attempts will be made, require stopping Russian advances; and that as long as Russian advances continue, Putin will remain under the illusion that he can win the war.
• A video shows thermal imaging footage of what appears to be soldiers marching in formation at night. Later in the video, individual figures are seen, and explosions or impacts are observed in their vicinity. The audio includes soldiers talking, possibly confirming that the soldiers shown are from Russia. The soldier in the audio reports 13-14 enemy soldiers as casualties.
• A video shows Ramzan Kadyrov congratulating the Minister of