Key Military Developments in Ukraine - December 28, 2024, 05:35 UTC
Drone Warfare
Mykolaiv Region:
Ukrainian air defense systems actively engaged Russian drones.
Confirmed drone sightings near Nechaiane, Ochakiv, and Velyka Korenykha.
Course of drones shifting towards Odesa Oblast.
Air raid alerts were in effect for Mykolaiv but have since been lifted.
Explosions reported in Mykolaiv.
A multi-story building in Mykolaiv caught fire due to a drone attack, with the roof damaged and windows broken; the fire has been extinguished, and no casualties are reported. Damage also reported in the Inhulskyi district.
Russian drones launched from Crimea.
A house in Mykolaiv was damaged by a "Shahed" drone attack, with no significant damage and ongoing assessment of the surrounding area.
Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, causing damage and injuring 8 civilians.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Ukrainian Air Force reports drone movements in Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava Oblast, in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to the south-west and west, in Chernihiv Oblast to the west, and new groups in the east of Kharkiv Oblast to the west.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Residents of Nizhyn (Chernihiv region) are advised to take shelter due to the threat of an enemy drone.
Drone movement has been detected in the Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions, specifically near Nizhyn.
Rescuers showed the aftermath of a drone attack on Mykolaiv. In the Ingul district, firefighters extinguished two fires. A fire on the roof of a five-story residential building (5 sq. m) and a burning reed (1000 sq. m) were extinguished. No information was received about the victims. The roof of the apartment building was partially destroyed and windows were broken.
Voronezh Region:
Over 10 drones were reportedly detected and destroyed in the suburbs of Voronezh and several districts of the region. Debris from the downed drones caused damage to railway infrastructure, leading to train delays.
Belgorod Region:
Two civilians were injured in the Krasnogvardeisky district due to a Ukrainian drone attack. Damage was reported to power lines and houses in several villages.
Several villages in the Grayvoron district were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack.
A drone hit the village of Verkhososna, damaging a power line.
Two drones attacked the village of Borisovka, injuring two civilians and damaging an administrative building.
A drone attacked a moving vehicle in the village of Murom, injuring the driver.
An FPV drone attacked a private house in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka.
A drone attacked an agricultural enterprise in the village of Gruzskoye, damaging a parked bus.
A Ukrainian drone attacked a school in the village of Borisovka.
A Russian plane dropped a 500-kilogram aerial bomb on the village of Razumnoye-71, causing no casualties or damage.
Rostov Oblast:
17 Ukrainian drones were destroyed and suppressed overnight above Rostov Oblast. No casualties have been reported. The drones were destroyed and suppressed by air defense systems in Kamensk, Novoshakhtinsk, Rodionovo-Nesvetaysky, Ust-Donetsk, and Krasnosulinsky districts.
During the night, 4 more UAVs were destroyed and suppressed by electronic warfare in the Millerovsky and Tarasovsky districts of Rostov Oblast. Russian media sources claim that a total of 12 drones were destroyed in Rostov Oblast, as well as an additional drone in Voronezh Oblast.
Volchansk, Kharkiv Oblast:
Ukrainian forces are reportedly using around 100 drones per day in this area.
Donetsk Oblast:
An attack by a Ukrainian drone on the Makeevsky Machine-Building Plant in the Donetsk People's Republic was prevented by the "Dome of Donbas" air defense system.
In Horlivka, a man was killed and two others were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack.
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.
Drone use in repelling assault in Kurakhove.
Remote mining by Ukrainian "Vampir" drone near Zoria.
Drone strikes on assault columns near Kurakhove.
Video evidence of military engagement near Kurakhove.
Russian forces used FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Kursk Region:
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.
A video shows the crew of a Ka-52M helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.
Ukrainian forces destroyed two BMPs and a tank using FPV drones.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
Video shows drone footage of a Russian soldier loading a modified drone with grenades and deploying it.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry.
Kharkiv Region:
Increased drone activity was reported in the Kharkiv region, with movements towards Balakliia.
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.
Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used in the zone of special military operation.
Other Regions:
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 20 out of 31 drones launched by Russia overnight.
Extensive drone warfare continues, with reports of drone attacks and artillery strikes by both sides.
Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region.
Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier.
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.
FPV of the Third Assault Brigade destroys enemy weapons, shelters, and warehouses.
Explosive strikes were reported in the region.
Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a forest plantation, ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
Ground Operations
Donetsk Oblast
Two civilians injured in Horlivka due to a Ukrainian attack.
Fighting continues in the Dzerzhinsk area, with reports of a Russian soldier targeted by Ukrainian forces near the 12th microdistrict. Russian forces reportedly advancing towards the northern outskirts of Dzerzhinsk.
Ukrainian forces conducted four attacks on populated areas of the Donetsk region, resulting in casualties.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold and a mortar position in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk). Russian forces are advancing near Dzerzhinsk, with fighting ongoing in the center of the town. They have reportedly advanced to the central market along Mayakovsky Street. In the western part of Shcherbynivka, Russian artillery is targeting Ukrainian positions.
Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week, intercepting 138 enemy UAVs in the Donetsk and Makeevka regions.
Kurakhove:
Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of the city.
Ukrainian withdrawal reported.
Liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and Gigant.
Advancing on Yantarnoye.
Bridge over Volchya River destroyed.
Clashes near Kurakhove, Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, Kostyantynopil, and Andriyivka.
Airstrikes at Kotlyne, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Kostyantynopil, and Andriyivka.
Guided air bombs against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
Forest belt occupation south of Zelenivka.
High-intensity battles near northern Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka, Novooleenovka, Ukrainka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko.
Drone and sniper activity.
Positional fighting in the Kurakhove-Dalnee area.
Night raid by "Mad Dogs" brigade.
Communications repeater destruction.
Advance towards Shevchenko.
Loss of positions reported by Ukrainian forces.
Russian forces are effectively out on the Pokrovsk-Dnipro highway. Russian DRGs are operating in Pokrovsk itself.
Vremivka Direction:
Russian forces captured Storozheve, forming a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka, and liberated Uspenovka and Novyi Komar.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Makarivka, though this is officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Clashes are ongoing near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka.
Russian forces are advancing towards Velyka Novosilka, with reports of over 800 meters gained.
A bridge over the Mokri Yaly river was destroyed, disrupting Ukrainian logistics.
Russian forces reportedly liberated Makarivka and gained control of the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
Russian forces are reportedly already at the Huliaipole-Velyka Novoselka road west of Vremivka and Neskuchne, effectively cutting off a crucial supply route for Ukrainian forces in Velyka Novoselka.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Storozheve.
Rogov reported the beginning of battles for the liberation of Neskuchne. He also reported the advance of the Russian Armed Forces "from Storozheve towards the road leading to Huliaipole".
Russian forces are reportedly attacking Velyka Novosilka from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
Russian forces are processing the approaches to Neskuchne. From the southern flank, they aligned the front from Rivnopil to Storozheve and are advancing towards the road to Vremivka. From Novyi Komar, Russian forces are repelling enemy attacks.
Occupation authorities in Huliaipole are concerned about the situation, with rumors of a potential Russian offensive.
Toretsk:
Street fighting continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
Russian forces captured two objects on the outskirts of the "Central" mine spoil heap and made gains in the Khomkolonka microdistrict.
Clashes are ongoing near Toretsk, Dyliyivka, Dachne, Bila Hora, and Scherbynivka.
Russian forces are advancing behind New York, having taken the center of Shcherbinovka.
Continued fighting was reported in Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk). Reports of fighting west of the "Central" mine, the Central Market, and near the "Avangard" stadium.
On the Toretsk direction, our drone operators of a separate reconnaissance battalion "Sparta" identified and destroyed an American M1A2 Bradley ODS-SA infantry fighting vehicle with an accurate hit. As a result of the strike, the enemy crew was eliminated, and the equipment was blown up.
Chasiv Yar:
Russian forces control over half of the city.
Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances.
Russian forces retook positions at the fire-resistant compound, partially dislodging Ukrainian forces.
Clashes are reported near Stupochky and Predtechyne.
Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes.
Pokrovsk:
Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka, reportedly entering Pisky.
Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka.
High-intensity battles are ongoing near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske, Novyy Trud, Novotroyitske, Novoyelyzavetivka, Novoolenivka, Novopustynka, and Vozdvyzhenka.
Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reaching its outskirts and liberating Veselyi Gai.
Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk.
Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka.
Russian forces liberated the settlement of Novyi Trud.
A video from December 25th shows the results of an attack on Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area by the 414th Separate Brigade "Birds of Magyar," including the destruction of a motorcycle with Russian military personnel on it.
Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the Pokrovsk direction. "Birds of Magyar" attacked Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area, including the destruction of a motorcycle with Russian military personnel on it. The "Baltic Group" of the 59th Motorized Brigade used drones to target and destroy a Russian BMP, 5 soldiers, a motorcycle, and a pickup truck.
Lyman Axis:
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Hrekivka, Novoyehorivka, Zelenyi Hai, Tverdokhlibove, Nadiya, Novoserhiyivka, Terny, Shyykivka, Serhiyivka, Makiyivka, and Ivanivka.
Russian Advance to Seversk: Russian forces advanced over 300 meters along the railway line to Seversk, occupying Vyemka station.
Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova (Kharkiv Oblast). Russian forces advanced in Terny.
Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova. They are also making progress from Pervomaiske towards Cheneshchyna.
An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny, expanding control by up to 400 meters.
On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, and Makiyivka.
Sieversk Axis:
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Ivano-Daryivka, and Vyyimka.
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Vasukivka, Chasiv Yar, and Stupochky.
Orikhiv Axis:
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Novoandriyivka.
Other Key Developments:
Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers executed after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud.
The "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Novoocheretuvate.
Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses.
Residents of Ostrovskoe reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
Kursk Region
Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka.
Advances were made in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Ukrainian reserves transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Heavy fighting continues along the front line, particularly in Kursk (57 clashes).
Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
Paratroopers of the 76th division are storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
Ukrainian forces reportedly used HIMARS with cluster munitions against North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, causing heavy losses. A later report states that Ukrainian forces struck Lgov, resulting in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to five others. The attack damaged residential buildings, a gas pipeline, and other civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military claims the target was a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade, but Russian sources dispute this. Three women were killed in the attack, and at least six rockets fell on the streets of the city. A penal colony with captured Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers is located in Lgov, and they could have been the target of the attack.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and making progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Over 300 troops, two tanks (including one U.S.-made Abrams), three IFVs (including one U.S.-made Bradley, one German-made Marder, and one Swedish-made CV-90), three AFVs (including one U.S.-made Stryker and two M113s), three armored fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, four mortars, one U.S.-made M88 ARV, and eight motor vehicles were reported lost by Ukrainian forces.
Active combat near Sudzha: Russian forces are attacking towards Viktorivka, advancing up to 2 km.
Atrocities Allegations: A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians. Another reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary. A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers.
Casualties: Over 3,000 wounded and killed North Korean soldiers were reported in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian Defense: Ukrainian defenders repelled 46 enemy attacks, with 374 artillery strikes (9 from MLRS).
Paratrooper Advance: Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment from Feodosia liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district.
Airstrikes: Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
Captured Soldier's Account: A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops, describing them as ruthless and operating independently.
Russian Military Claims: Russian sources claim advances near Kamyshovka and Russkoye Porechnoye.
South of Kruhlenke, Russian forces advanced 1.6 km towards Viktorivka and cleared a forest belt. They are also attacking Leonidovo from the west.
Explosions were reported in Kyiv-controlled Kherson.
Russian forces are clearing Russkoye Porechnoye.
Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoye, advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka. Marines, paratroopers, and infantry of the "North" group are attacking from all directions.
Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
Calculations of the MLRS "Grad" group of troops "North" destroyed strongholds and infantry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
Russian forces reportedly liberated Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kamyshovka.
Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka, advancing up to 1200 meters near Nikolaevo-Daryino, Leonidovo, Russkaya Porechnaya, and Kurilovka.
Russian forces established control over positions east of Novoyvanovka and were noted to be present on the western bank of the Oskol River in Dvurechnaya on the Kupyansk front.
Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district, and took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo.
Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions west of Nechaev in the direction of Russkogo Porechnogo using large infantry units, resulting in Ukrainian forces losing their strongholds in the forest belt.
Russian forces are advancing east from Kruglenkogo, capturing 1km of territory.
North of Kruhlenky Russian forces dislodged Ukrainian forces for 2 km.
Russian forces are pushing along the Gluboky Yar gully, clearing forest areas.
Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes.
Russian forces carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions.
Ukrainian forces inflicted losses on Russian forces, including 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.
Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area. 32 combat clashes, 19 in Kursk region. Ukrainian forces repelled 42 Russian assaults, 19 as of 16:00 UTC.
In the Kherson direction, the overall situation is discussed, including opinions and data. There are no new troop formations or units, except for the newly created 91st Separate River Boat Brigade, which was planned for spring 2023 but was formed a few months ago. This brigade, along with the 61st Separate Marine Brigade, underwent extensive training in overcoming water obstacles. The composition of units on the other side of the river remains unchanged, including the 205th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, 24th Motorized Rifle Regiment, 10th Separate Special Forces Brigade (GRU), 1218th Motorized Rifle Regiment, 80th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, 144th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, 126th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade, and others. The operational situation on the islands worsened after the withdrawal of marines from Krynky, especially when all marines (35th, 36th, 37th, 38th) were withdrawn. The withdrawal and introduction of other troops were poorly executed, leading to some Russian units approaching positions closer to the right bank in the fall. The enemy is considering actions on the right bank, aiming to create a situation similar to Krynky. The most likely areas for this operation are Kizomys-Velytens'ke, L'vove-Ol'hivka, and Kozats'ke-Vesele. There may be simultaneous distracting actions near the two Antonov bridges. The enemy's priorities are to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk. Any actions in other directions are aimed at preventing the transfer of more troops to the east. Evacuation advice is given, suggesting that elderly people should spend the winter in a safer place if possible. The situation on the right bank is expected to improve slightly. There is no plan to surrender Kherson due to military actions or negotiations.
Explosions were heard in Pavlohrad.
Kharkiv Oblast
Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing in two directions on the Kupyansk front.
Kupyansk Direction: Fighting is ongoing near Zahryzove. Clashes are reported near Kindrashivka, Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Dvorichna, and Bohuslavka.
Kharkiv Axis: Clashes are reported near Vovchansk, Hoptivka, Hlybokoht, Vysoka Yaruhya, and Buhruvatka.
Reserves Transfer: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova.
Assault Repelled: Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
Large Mechanized Attack Repelled: Ukrainian forces repelled a large mechanized attack by Russian forces near the Oskil River, destroying or damaging 21 pieces of Russian equipment.
Heat Supply Disruption: 500,000 subscribers in the region are without heat.
Military Operations:
Russian sources claim advances in the Kupyansk direction, including the capture of most of Lozova and progress in Zahryzove and near Dvorichna. They also claim the destruction of a NATO-supplied Leopard tank near Petropavlivka.
Video footage reportedly shows Russian army aviation using unguided aerial rockets against Ukrainian positions in the Vostok operational zone.
Kupyansk Axis: Clashes are reported near Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, and Lozova.
Head of Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleg Synehubov, reported on December 25th a mass rocket attack in the early morning, focusing on civilian infrastructure, with 12 rockets impacting 4 districts of Kharkiv, specifically targeting industrial sites and critical infrastructure. He also mentioned the challenging situation on the eastern Kupiansk front, describing it as a "meat grinder."
Overnight strikes on Kharkiv using missiles, bombs, and drones damaged energy infrastructure and industrial facilities, killing enemy soldiers. Power outages continue, with approximately 15% of consumers in Kharkiv without electricity. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with heat supply gradually being restored.
One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove. They have collected 9,012,000 out of 13,000,000 rubles for 70 Mavic 3 drones over 20 days.
In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy unsuccessfully stormed the positions of our units six times in the areas of Kozacha Lopan, Vysokaya Yaruga and Vovchansk.
On the Kupyansk direction, four enemy attacks took place during the day. The Defense Forces repelled the enemy's assault actions near Petropavlivka and Kruhlyakivka.
Russian forces liberated Lozovaya.
Following the liberation of Zahryzove in the Kharkiv region, Russian forces are reportedly advancing towards Bohuslavka.
A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
Other Regions
Drone Activity: New reports of drone movements in Chernihiv, Poltava, and Cherkasy Oblasts, with air raid alerts issued for Kyiv and other regions. Ukrainian forces report shooting down 20 out of 31 drones launched by Russia overnight. Air raid alerts have been lifted in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Drone (likely Shahed drones) movement has been detected: Approaching Vasylkiv from the west and east. Approaching Brovary. 3 drones were reported in the Lubny area of Poltava Oblast. 4 drones from the Bila Tserkva district of Kyiv Oblast were heading towards Vinnytsia Oblast. 4 drones were detected at the intersection of Zhytomyr and Kyiv Oblasts. 1 drone was reported north of Chernihiv, moving westward. 2 drones from the Nizhyn area were heading southwest. 1 drone was reported in the north of Chernihiv Oblast. New groups of drones were entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk, heading south/southeast. A drone was reported heading towards Kyiv from the southwest. A drone was reported heading towards Sumy from the northwest. A hostile drone was heading towards Kyiv from the north. Air raid alerts had been activated and deactivated in Kyiv. Explosions were heard in Kyiv, indicating likely drone impacts or air defense activity. Air defense systems were active in the Kyiv region, engaging and destroying hostile drones. A drone, likely a reconnaissance model, was detected over Zaporizhzhia. Extensive drone activity reported across multiple regions, with Ukrainian air defense neutralizing drones near Kyiv. Air raid alerts issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Vinnitsa, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv. Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions. Mykolaiv Oblast was under threat of enemy drone attacks. Overnight, Russian forces actively attempted to attack Tokmak, Energodar and Melitopol. Ukrainian air defense successfully shot down hostile objects. Warning regarding drone activity in Krasnodar Krai. Air raid alerts issued for Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv Oblasts due to the threat of drone attacks.
Geopolitical Developments: Russia and Iran are reportedly planning to sign a new strategic partnership agreement. US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine.
Military Aid: US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine. The Netherlands plans to provide an additional 6 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.
Other: Overnight strikes on Kharkiv damaged energy infrastructure and industrial facilities. An urgent fundraising campaign is underway to purchase a vehicle for Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian forces reportedly face an increase in artillery shelling in the south. French military sources confirmed the completion of training for Ukrainian pilots on Mirage 2000-5F aircraft. An Azerbaijani passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused NATO of attempting to turn Moldova into a logistics hub for supplying the Ukrainian army. The Iranian Embassy in Ukraine extended Christmas greetings. Reports indicate 21 Palestinians killed and 51 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza.
Propaganda and Information Warfare: An exhibition of Nizhny Novgorod artists opened in Beijing. The "Operation Z" Telegram channel is collecting funds for Mavic 3 drones. The "NKB Smersh" organization is involved in detaining individuals for discrediting the Russian army. YouTube is reportedly de facto blocked in Russia. The Russian TV channel "Russia 1" censored flags of the Russian Empire in
