Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - December 27, 2024, 21:01 UTC

Key Developments

Donetsk Oblast

• Kurakhove: Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of the city. Clashes persist in the central area, particularly around high-rise buildings. Video evidence confirms ongoing engagements, with soldiers from the 68th tank regiment shown advancing and capturing enemy positions. Russian assault troops are intensifying efforts near Dachny and the industrial zone, while also attempting to penetrate Ukrainian defenses to the south of the city. Drone strikes remain a significant feature of the fighting. 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. Video evidence suggests the use of FPV drones and possibly drone-dropped munitions.
• Vremivka: Russian forces have successfully severed the last paved road supplying the Ukrainian garrison in Velyka Novosilka, marking a significant strategic gain. They also captured Storozheve, establishing a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Makarivka, although this claim is officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Russian forces liberated Uspenovka and Novyi Komar, while clashes continue near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka.
• Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing southward towards Ukrainka, with reports indicating they have entered Pisky. They are also storming Novooleenovka and moving towards Slavyanka. High-intensity battles are taking place near multiple settlements. Ukrainian drone operators executed a mass drone attack on Russian positions in this direction. The "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade in the Pokrovsk direction. A Russian FPV drone operator reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two. Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine. Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight. Ukrainian "Vampir" drone of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion is remotely mining Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian forces destroyed 2 more assault columns near the Oskil River in the Kupyansk direction, destroying and damaging multiple BMP-2s and tanks, resulting in the deaths of 18 Russian soldiers and the wounding of 6 others. Video evidence shows drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
• Chasiv Yar and Konstantinovka: Russian forces control over half of Chasiv Yar, with reports of them retaking positions at the fire-resistant compound. There are currently about 150 Ukrainian soldiers at the plant. The situation in the Konstantinovka direction remains tense. Video evidence of Russian troops planting a flag in the center of Lozova, Kharkiv region, confirming its capture.
• Toretsk: Street fighting continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine. Two Ukrainian infantrymen captured five Russian soldiers after a failed assault near Toretsk. A video shows a raid on a high-rise building in Toretsk by the "Athena" group, part of the International Legion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Klishchiivka: Ukrainian forces, with the help of neighboring units, repelled a large-scale assault near Klishchiivka in the Bakhmut direction, destroying 6 T-72 tanks and 6 BMP-2s, and damaging one tank. The 5th Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed a Russian assault group near Klishchiivka, including three BMPs and two tanks, one of which was reportedly a T-90M "Breakthrough".

Kharkiv Oblast

• Confirmed Captures: Russian forces have captured Zahryzove and Lozova. Video evidence confirms Russian troops planting a flag in the center of Lozova, solidifying its capture.
• Kremennaya-Terny: Intense combat operations are ongoing near Kremennaya. Russian forces have advanced in Terny and expanded their control, pushing towards Borova. Kyiv is reportedly transferring reserves to Lozova.
• Kupyansk-Svatove: The offensive by Russian troops on the left bank of the Oskol continues. Over the past few days, Russian troops have made significant progress in Zahryzove and are approaching the northern outskirts of Bohuslavka. In the area of Kupyansk, the situation has become tense. The Russian Armed Forces retreated from the outskirts of the city to fortified positions north of Petropavlivka. A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction. In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.

Kursk Region

• Missile Interceptions: Two Ukrainian missiles were reportedly intercepted over the region.
• Novoivanovka: Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka.
• Heavy Fighting: Intense battles continue along the front line.
• Drone Operations: Ukrainian forces carried out a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying 6 Russian soldiers in the Kursk border area.
• North Korean Soldiers: Reports indicate significant losses among North Korean soldiers in the Russian army, with 1,000 casualties in the past week alone. Some are reportedly committing suicide. Ukrainian forces report that North Korean soldiers have been rotated out of the Kursk region and replaced with Russian soldiers. Ukrainian President Zelensky, in a video message, stated that North Korean soldiers are involved in the fighting in the Kursk region and are suffering heavy losses. He also claimed that the Russian military is executing North Korean soldiers to prevent them from being captured.
• Battles on the Kursk front: The 34th brigade is destroying enemy infantry and firing points.

Drone Warfare

• Continued Use: Both sides continue employing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
• Ukrainian Successes: Ukrainian forces report destroying Russian equipment and personnel with drones. A Ukrainian officer from the "Rubezh" brigade shares accounts of intense fighting, highlighting the continued use of drones and the resilience of Russian troops. Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
• Russian Capabilities: Reports indicate the deployment of new Russian self-propelled artillery units capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 50 kilometers. The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showcasing a ZALA UAV assisting in the destruction of a Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system.
• AI Integration: Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, reported that Russia is integrating AI into Shahed drones to enhance their target recognition capabilities, even when offline.
• Extensive Drone Activity: Reports of widespread drone activity across multiple regions, including new drone threats in Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnitsa, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Vasylkiv, Brovary, Sumy, Kharkiv, Lubny, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Chuhuiv, Pavlohrad, Zlatopil, and Merefa. Air raid alerts have been issued in multiple Oblasts.
• Ukrainian Drone Capabilities: Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. A video message from the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) claims that Ukrainian drones can hit targets up to 2000 km away.

Humanitarian Situation

• Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage: Reported, particularly in the Nikopol and Zaporizhzhia regions.
• Energy Infrastructure: Coordinated missile and drone strikes continue to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, with reports of damage in the Nikopol district.
• Kyiv: Power outages are projected for the city.

International Aid and Diplomacy

• US Aid: President Biden has directed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine, with another package expected to be announced soon, reportedly worth $1.25 billion and including munitions, Stinger missiles, and rockets for HAWK and NASAMS air defense systems.
• F-16: The Pentagon has refused to comment on reports of a downed F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Denmark is allocating a $303 million aid package to Ukraine, with a significant portion dedicated to the maintenance of US-supplied F-16 fighter jets.
• Diplomatic Talks: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly discussed recent battlefield developments and US support for Ukraine with his Ukrainian counterpart. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed condolences to Azerbaijan regarding the plane crash and called for international pressure on Russia to ascertain the truth.
• Syria: The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established contact with the new Syrian government and expressed readiness to restore diplomatic relations.
• Slovakia: Slovakia has expressed its readiness to host peace talks on Ukraine. The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, threatened to stop supplying electricity to Ukraine in response to Ukraine's refusal to transit Russian gas to Europe after 2024.
• Plane Crash: The US claims to have "primary evidence" that the Baku-Grozny flight was shot down by Russian air defense. Azerbaijan denies these claims and accuses the US of escalating tensions. Two American officials reportedly told NBC News that the US has intelligence suggesting that the Russians may have mistaken the AZAL plane for a drone.

Other Developments

• North Korean Soldiers: The White House reports heavy losses among North Korean soldiers in the Russian army, with some reportedly committing suicide.
• ATACMS Missiles: The New York Times reports that Ukraine had approximately 50 ATACMS missiles remaining as of November.
• New Russian Artillery: New Russian self-propelled artillery systems, possibly the "Malva" or "Koalitsiya-SV," are reportedly being deployed, capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 50 kilometers. The new 3ОФ95 shell from the "Koalitsiya-SV" is reportedly being used, adapted for older systems.
• Azerbaijan-Russia Conflict: Public conflict between Azerbaijan and Russia over the Baku-Grozny flight is escalating.
• Former Azerbaijani official: Tamerlan Vahabov claims that Azerbaijan's actions towards Russia are aimed at fostering separatism in Turkic regions of Russia and drawing them into the orbit of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and NATO.
• Reports of Ukrainian citizens attempting to flee the country by posing as part of a funeral procession.
• Ukrainian officer from the "Rubezh" brigade shares accounts of intense fighting, highlighting the continued use of drones and the resilience of Russian troops.
• Battles on the Kursk front. The 34th brigade is destroying enemy infantry and firing points.
• In the Kupyansk-Svatove direction, the offensive of Russian troops on the left bank of the Oskol continues. Over the past few days, Russian troops have made significant progress in Zahryzove and are approaching the northern outskirts of Bohuslavka. In the area of Kupyansk, the situation has become tense. The Russian Armed Forces retreated from the outskirts of the city to fortified positions north of Petropavlivka.
• Continued fighting in Kurakhovo. Assault troops are pressing in the direction of Dachny from the north and the industrial zone from the north-west. To the south of the city, the defensive line in the fields is being forced open, covering the approaches to the city from the south. On the right bank, they occupied part of the defensive positions of the Ukrainians to the north-west of Uspenovka. Fighting is ongoing for Yantarne. From the south, they are attacking, having slightly pushed the Ukrainians in the direction of Rozliv and Konstantynopol. Fighting continues on the outskirts of Urozhayne.
• Russian troops advanced in the Chasov Yar area, with reports suggesting a partial takeover of the fire-resistant compound.
• Ukrainian troops have reportedly repelled Russian attacks in various directions, including the destruction of a significant amount of Russian equipment.
• Video footage shows Ukrainian troops using drones to target Russian positions, equipment, and personnel in various locations, including Kurakhove, Toretsk, and the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian military analyst states that Lukashenko's recent statements about the "Oreshnik" missile are an attempt to align himself with Putin.
• Russian soldier reportedly attacked a school in Volgograd with a knife while under the influence of drugs after returning from the front.
• A secret report from the German Foreign Ministry, cited by Bild, claims that Germany would be defenseless against Russia's "Oreshnik" ballistic missile.
• The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine claims that the Russian Il-76 aircraft that crashed near Belgorod was carrying S-300 missiles.
• Ukrainian media reports that a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was shot down over the temporarily occupied part of the Luhansk region.
• A video report from the "Rubezh" brigade highlights the continued use of drones and the resilience of Russian troops who reportedly continue to advance even after sustaining severe injuries.
• Ukrainian forces are conducting a fundraising campaign to purchase a new version of the "Queen of Hornets" drone, offering a unique HIMARS-themed watch in exchange for donations.
• New 152-mm shells, "Krasnopol-M", with an increased flight range have appeared in the zone of the special military operation. The self-propelled guns "Msta" or "Malva" can fire them at a distance of 50 km.
• Russian troops are advancing between the Solona and Volchya rivers, approaching the last Ukrainian defense line before the Dnipropetrovsk region.
• Ukrainian forces destroyed 6 Russian soldiers in the Kursk border area.
• American media claim that the Russian Federation has significantly increased the production of "Geraniums". They separately note the growth in production at the plant in "Alabuga", which has long been a thorn in the side of Ukraine. Public interest may precede another attempt to attack drones on the territory of the SEZ "Alabuga".
• Video evidence of drone attacks on Ukrainian forces personnel.
• The 68th regiment is burning enemy armored vehicles near Kurakhovo. An enemy armored vehicle got lost, ran over mines (the engineering and sapper company of the 68th Guards Tank Regiment did its best), it got cold and Biryusa (ovBPLA) decided to warm it up), after all, the new year is coming soon.
• The US does not rule out that the AZAL plane was shot down by Russia. A White House spokesman said they had seen "some initial signs that certainly indicate the possibility that this plane was shot down by Russian air defense systems."
• Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the US sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili are a reward for protecting the interests of Georgia.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed gratitude to the US for the sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili.
• The Slovak Prosecutor's Office will investigate Fico's visit to Putin.
• Bloomberg reports that Ukraine may lose territories in the Kursk region by spring.
• A group of Ukrainian pilots and ground service personnel completed training on French Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, according to RTL.
• Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev expressed the opinion that after the end of the "hybrid war" against Russia, a tough response to the West is necessary.
• The Kremlin will not comment on the plane crash near Aktau until the official findings of the investigation are released, said Dmitry Peskov.
• The newest nuclear submarine "Arkhangelsk" of the modernized project 885M, built at the Sevmash enterprise, has been accepted into the Russian Navy.
• Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, announced the decision to increase the alliance's military presence in the Baltic Sea.
• The US and NATO expressed concern about the use of ATACMS missiles by Ukrainian forces.
• Poland plans to increase sanctions pressure on countries seen buying Russian liquefied gas and nuclear technologies.
• Georgy Tikhiy, a representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, stated that Kyiv has completed preparations for the next "peace summit."
• Kirill Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, claimed that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, was shot down by a Russian "Pantsir-S" air defense system.
• The Washington Post reported that in the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen expressed hope for a possible truce in the new year.
• Finland prevented serious sabotage by stopping the "shadow tanker" of the Russian Federation, - Yle. The expert community believes that the tanker could continue to damage underwater communications if Finland did not stop it.
• A man from Krasnodar was sentenced to three years in prison and fined one million rubles for a social media comment deemed to be a "public call to obstruct the authorities in ensuring security."
• Russian sailors who survived the sinking of the Ursa Major cargo ship have departed from Madrid to Russia.
• The US imposed financial restrictions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the "Georgian Dream" and former Prime Minister of Georgia.
• Non-refundable rates in Russian hotels may be introduced in the second half of 2025, according to the Ministry of Economic Development.
• Residents of Luhansk report that the local road maintenance company regularly cuts the top layer of asphalt on the 2nd Sverdlov Street, leaving the road in a severely damaged condition.
• A list of the "TOP-10 War Correspondents of 2024" has been published by the "Asphalt" aggregator, including prominent names such as Evgeny Poddubny, Alexander Sladkov, and Alexander Kots.
• A photo report from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine details the results of the week's work, including the investigation of war crimes, collaborators, and corruption.
• A photo report from the Ministry of Finance of the USA shows the imposition of financial restrictions against Bidzina Ivanishvili.
• A video report from the Russian Ministry of Defense showcases the elimination of a "Krab" self-propelled artillery system using a ZALA UAV.
• A photo report from Janus Putkonen discusses the bankruptcy of the Finnish instrument manufacturer Koistinen Kantele.
• A photo report from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine announces the completion of the investigation into the murder of Iryna Farion.
• A video report from Zelenskiy's official channel shows a meeting with representatives of national communities and indigenous peoples of Ukraine.
• A photo report from "Basurin on the Main" shows the opening of a monument to the Special Forces of the Russian Guard in Nizhny Novgorod.
• A photo report from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine shows the aftermath of shelling in the Nikopol district.
• A photo report from ASTRA shows the dismantling of the names of Moscow, Minsk, and other Soviet cities from the alley of hero cities in Kyiv.
• A video report from "Two Majors" showcases the work of naval aviation crews.
• A photo report from "Two Majors" details an attempt by Ukrainian citizens to flee the country by posing as a funeral procession.
• A resident of Kamchatka received an offer from Ukraine to set fire to a police car for 200,000 rubles. He took an advance payment of 50,000 rubles, spent it on alcohol, and then demanded another 20,000 rubles, which he also spent on alcohol.
• "We are simply tired of washing the bags." A volunteer told the story of a Russian soldier who is involved in the evacuation of bodies from the front. According to the military, evacuation teams constantly come for the bodies, load them into bags, take them to morgues, unload them, wash the bags and go back for the bodies. There are simply not even body bags in the war. Therefore, the bodies are evacuated for months.
• The board of directors of Rosneft decided to extend Sechin's powers as the company's chief executive officer for five years.
• Video of Zelensky saying that the Korean people should not lose their people in battles in Europe. And this can be influenced, in particular, by Korea's neighbors, in particular China. If China is sincere in its statements that the war should not expand, appropriate influence on Pyongyang is needed.

Updated Situation - December 27, 2024, 21:01 UTC

The conflict in Ukraine continues with significant military activity and strategic developments. Russian forces maintain operational tempo, particularly in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, with confirmed captures of Ivanivka, Zahryzove, Novyi Trud, and Lozova. 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. Ukrainian forces report destroying Russian equipment and personnel with drones, while also highlighting the need for more advanced electronic warfare capabilities to counter Russian drones. The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showcasing a ZALA UAV assisting in the destruction of a Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, highlighting Russia's use of drones for reconnaissance and targeting. A Ukrainian officer from the "Rubezh" brigade shared accounts of intense fighting, underscoring the continued use of drones and the resilience of Russian troops who reportedly continue to advance even after sustaining severe injuries. Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage reported, particularly in the Nikopol and Zaporizhzhia regions. Coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate damage to several infrastructure facilities in the Nikopol district.

The US continues to provide military aid to Ukraine, with another package expected to be announced soon, reportedly worth $1.25 billion. The Pentagon has refused to comment on reports of a downed F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which, if confirmed, would have significant implications for the conflict. The White House claims to have "primary evidence" that the Baku-Grozny flight was shot down by Russian air defense. Two American officials reportedly told NBC News that the US has intelligence suggesting that the Russians may have mistaken the AZAL plane for a drone.

Diplomatic efforts continue, with Ukrainian President Zelensky expressing condolences to Azerbaijan regarding the plane crash and calling for international pressure on Russia to establish the truth. Slovakia has expressed its readiness to host peace talks on Ukraine. The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, threatened to stop supplying electricity to Ukraine in response to Ukraine's refusal to transit Russian gas to Europe after 2024. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established contact with the new Syrian government and expressed readiness to restore diplomatic relations, contingent on the new government's stance on Ukraine's territorial integrity.

The involvement of North Korean troops on the Russian side adds complexity to the conflict, with reports of high casualties and suicides among them. The White House reports significant losses among North Korean soldiers, with 1,000 casualties in the past week alone. Ukrainian President Zelensky, in a video message, stated that North Korean soldiers are involved in the fighting in the Kursk region and are suffering heavy losses. He also claimed that the Russian military is executing North Korean soldiers to prevent them from being captured.

The strategic landscape is further complicated by the potential Russia-Iran pact, ongoing US military aid to Ukraine, and internal political developments in Georgia and Belarus.

The removal of Soviet city names from a Kyiv museum and reports of Ukrainian citizens attempting to flee the country through various means, including posing as part of funeral processions, highlight the broader social and political impacts of the conflict.

The reported deployment of new Russian self-propelled artillery units with extended range and the destruction of Ukrainian military equipment, including the alleged downing of an F-16, underscore the ongoing arms race and the evolving nature of the conflict.

The Ukrainian military continues to demonstrate resilience, with reports of successful defensive actions and the use of drones to target Russian forces. However, the need for continued international support, particularly in the form of advanced weaponry and electronic warfare capabilities, remains critical.

The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides adapting their strategies and tactics in response to the evolving battlefield dynamics. The conflict's impact on civilians, the extensive use of drone warfare, and the involvement of international actors underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of the ongoing hostilities.

New Information Summary from the Latest Update

• Military:
  • Video evidence from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows a ZALA UAV assisting in the destruction of a Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system.
  • New Russian self-propelled artillery systems are reportedly being deployed, capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 50 kilometers. A video released by WarGonzo showcases these new systems in action.
  • Reports of Ukrainian citizens attempting to flee the country by posing as part of a funeral procession.
  • Ukrainian officer from the "Rubezh" brigade shares accounts of intense fighting, highlighting the continued use of drones and the resilience of Russian troops.
  • Battles on the Kursk front. The 34th brigade is destroying enemy infantry and firing points.
  • In the Kupyansk-Svatove direction, the offensive of Russian troops on the left bank of the Oskol continues. Over the past few days, Russian troops have made significant progress in Zahryzove and are approaching the northern outskirts of Bohuslavka. In the area of Kupyansk, the situation has become tense. The Russian Armed Forces retreated from the outskirts of the city to fortified positions north of Petropavlivka. The decision is likely related to problems with the supply of assault units in the face of enemy UAV activity and the use of additional reserves. There have been no reports of new attempts by the Russian Armed Forces to enter the outskirts of the city. Fierce fighting in Zahryzove has been going on for more than a week. Earlier, the assault troops of the Russian Armed Forces occupied the northern and central part of the village, pushing the enemy back to the southern outskirts. Today, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the complete liberation of the settlement, but at the moment it is not possible to confirm the presence of the Russian Armed Forces on the southern outskirts. However, given that about 90% of the village is under the control of Russian troops, it is likely that footage from the scene with the raising of flags will be received soon. A similar situation occurred in Lozova, from where for a long time there were no new messages that could determine the current configuration of the front in the area. Nevertheless, a video of the raising of the Russian flag on one of the houses in the village was recently published online, which confirmed the liberation of most of it by Russian troops.
  • Continued fighting in Kurakhovo. Our assault troops are pressing in the direction of Dachny from the north and the industrial zone from the north-west. To the south of the city, the defensive line in the fields is being forced open, covering the approaches to the city from the south. On the right bank, they occupied part of the defensive positions of the Ukrainians to the north-west of Uspenovka. Fighting is ongoing for Yantarne. From the south, they are attacking, having slightly pushed the Ukrainians in the direction of Rozliv and Konstantynopol. Fighting continues on the outskirts of Urozhayne.
  • Russian troops advanced in the Chasov Yar area, with reports suggesting a partial takeover of the fire-resistant compound.
  • Ukrainian troops have reportedly repelled Russian attacks in various directions, including the destruction of a significant amount of Russian equipment.
  • Video footage shows Ukrainian troops using drones to target Russian positions, equipment, and personnel in various locations, including Kurakhove, Toretsk, and the Kursk region.
  • Ukrainian military analyst states that Lukashenko's recent statements about the "Oreshnik" missile are an attempt to align himself with Putin.
  • Russian soldier reportedly attacked a school in Volgograd with a knife while under the influence of drugs after returning from the front.
  • A secret report from the German Foreign Ministry, cited by Bild, claims that Germany would be defenseless against Russia's "Oreshnik" ballistic missile.
  • The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine claims that the Russian Il-76 aircraft that crashed near Belgorod was carrying S-300 missiles.
  • Ukrainian media reports that a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was shot down over the temporarily occupied part of the Luhansk region.
  • A video report from the "Rubezh" brigade highlights the continued use of drones and the resilience of Russian troops who reportedly continue to advance even after sustaining severe injuries.
  • Ukrainian forces are conducting a fundraising campaign to purchase a new version of the "Queen of Hornets" drone, offering a unique HIMARS-themed watch in exchange for donations.
  • New 152-mm shells, "Krasnopol-M", with an increased flight range have appeared in the zone of the special military operation. The self-propelled guns "Msta" or "Malva" can fire them at a distance of 50 km.
  • Video evidence of Russian troops planting a flag in the center of Lozova, Kharkiv region, confirming its capture.
  • Ukrainian forces, with the help of neighboring units, repelled one of the largest recent assaults in the Bakhmut direction near Klishchiivka, destroying 6 T-72 tanks and 6 BMP-2s, and damaging one tank.
  • Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
  • Russian troops are advancing between the Solona and Volchya rivers, approaching the last Ukrainian defense line before the Dnipropetrovsk region.
  • Ukrainian forces destroyed 6 Russian soldiers in the Kursk border area.
  • Another video, showcasing the work of the FPV crew of the 56th Specialized Battalion "Khan" of the Special Forces, features soldiers addressing fellow citizens and urging them to participate in a fundraiser to support the unit. The soldiers highlight the importance of their work and the need for additional resources, specifically FPV drones and equipment for their operation. The video includes footage of the soldiers in action, operating drones and targeting enemy positions, as well as a direct appeal for financial assistance. The soldiers emphasize that the funds raised will be used to purchase necessary equipment, which will enable them to continue their operations and achieve victory. The video concludes with a message of gratitude to those who have already contributed and a call to action for others to join the effort. The tone of the video is serious and urgent, reflecting the critical nature of the situation and the soldiers' reliance on public support. The video also includes contact information for donations and links to previous reports on the unit's activities. The overall message is one of patriotism, unity, and the importance of collective effort in achieving a common goal. The video serves as both a report on the unit's operations and a direct appeal for financial support, highlighting the ongoing need for resources and the role of the public in contributing to the war effort.
  • American media claim that the Russian Federation has significantly increased the production of "Geraniums". They separately note the growth in production at the plant in "Alabuga", which has long been a thorn in the side of Ukraine. Public interest may precede another attempt to attack drones on the territory of the SEZ "Alabuga".
  • Video evidence of drone attacks on Ukrainian forces personnel.
  • The 68th regiment is burning enemy armored vehicles near Kurakhovo. An enemy armored vehicle got lost, ran over mines (the engineering and sapper company of the 68th Guards Tank Regiment did its best), it got cold and Biryusa (ovBPLA) decided to warm it up), after all, the new year is coming soon.
• Geopolitical:
  • Slovakia has expressed its readiness to host peace talks on Ukraine.
  • US claims to have "primary evidence" that the Baku-Grozny flight was shot down by Russian air defense. Azerbaijan denies these claims and accuses the US of escalating tensions.
  • The White House reports significant losses among North Korean soldiers in the Russian army (1,000 in the past week), with some reportedly committing suicide.
  • Ukrainian forces report that North Korean soldiers have been rotated out of the Kursk region and replaced with Russian soldiers.
  • Public conflict between Azerbaijan and Russia over the tragedy of the Baku-Grozny flight is gaining momentum. Azerbaijani politicians and representatives of the blogosphere, who over the past year have assured that Azerbaijan is Russia's most loyal ally, suddenly changed their minds and began to echo American theses. The collective West, which was not allowed to investigate, has already hastened to blame Russia for everything, causing hysteria among carriers around the world. None of the officials in the West mentions the fact that it was Ukrainian drones that became a threat, that at the time of the plane's landing, the "Kover" plan was introduced, about which all pilots are notified, about poor visibility and fog, that jamming GPS can affect the display of the aircraft's tracking, but not the visibility of it on all radars. At the same time, the Azerbaijani media field not only accused the Russian Foreign Ministry of juggling facts and trying to "cover up the traces of the investigation" and "agree", but also directly try to incite an internal Russian conflict, calling Kadyrov a "prince" and provoking Chechnya to take public action.
  • The US does not rule out that the AZAL plane was shot down by Russia. A White House spokesman said they had seen "some initial signs that certainly indicate the possibility that this plane was shot down by Russian air defense systems."
  • Former Azerbaijani official Tamerlan Vahabov, who is actively involved in Ukrainian politics, claims that Azerbaijan's actions towards Russia are aimed at fostering separatism in Turkic regions of Russia and drawing them into the orbit of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and NATO. He also claims that Azerbaijan's policy is oriented towards the West through energy and transport projects.
  • Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the US sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili are a reward for protecting the interests of Georgia.
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed gratitude to the US for the sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili.
  • The Slovak Prosecutor's Office will investigate Fico's visit to Putin.
  • Bloomberg reports that Ukraine may lose territories in the Kursk region by spring.
  • A group of Ukrainian pilots and ground service personnel completed training on French Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, according to RTL.
  • Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev expressed the opinion that after the end of the "hybrid war" against Russia, a tough response to the West is necessary.
  • The Kremlin will not comment on the plane crash near Aktau until the official findings of the investigation are released, said Dmitry Peskov.
  • The newest nuclear submarine "Arkhangelsk" of the modernized project 885M, built at the Sevmash enterprise, has been accepted into the Russian Navy.
  • Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, announced the decision to increase the alliance's military presence in the Baltic Sea.
  • The US and NATO expressed concern about the use of ATACMS missiles by Ukrainian forces.
  • Poland plans to increase sanctions pressure on countries seen buying Russian liquefied gas and nuclear technologies.
  • Georgy Tikhiy, a representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, stated that Kyiv has completed preparations for the next "peace summit."
  • Kirill Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of