Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - December 28, 2024, 10:05 UTC
Major Updates on the Military Situation
Drone Warfare
Mykolaiv Region:
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 was also reported in the Inhulskyi district.
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.
Russian drones were launched from Crimea.
Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, causing damage and injuring 8 civilians.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Chernihiv Region:
Residents of Nizhyn 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.
Ukrainian Air Force reports drone movements in Chernihiv Oblast to the west.
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.
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.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Several villages in the Grayvoron district of Belgorod Oblast were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack.
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.
Border guards of the "Hart" brigade, recently equipped with drones, dismantled Russian positions near Volchansk, destroying dugouts, firing points, and enemy communication systems.
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.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
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.
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.
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" remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, 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.
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.
Ukrainian Air Force reports drone movements in Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava Oblast, in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to the south-west and west.
Ukrainian forces report a successful operation in the Kharkiv region, capturing Russian soldiers. Video footage shows Ukrainian tanks and M-113 APCs advancing, deploying troops, and engaging in combat, ultimately returning with captured Russian soldiers despite enemy artillery fire.
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.
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.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
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.
A Russian drone operator claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
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.
Ukrainian Air Force reports no threat of attack drones.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported drone activity and threats in the Kharkiv region, with drones being shot down.
A Ukrainian source reports that a drone struck a ship in Crimea that was seized by Russia in 2014. The ship, "Fedir Uryupin," belonged to the Ukrainian company "Chornomornaftogaz" and was seized during the occupation of Crimea. The drone hit the ship above the waterline, causing damage but not sinking it.
Activity of enemy tactical aviation is observed in the north-eastern direction. There is a threat of using aviation means of destruction for frontline regions.
The Ukrainian Air Force announced the end of the threat of enemy drones.
Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.
Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
Thanks to drones from the community of Sternenko, the enemy feels fair punishment!
Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian military equipment and personnel near Novoelizavetivka, south of Pokrovsk. The attack was reportedly carried out by Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
A Ukrainian officer from the "Rubezh" brigade shares accounts of intense fighting, highlighting the continued use of drones and the resilience of Russian troops who reportedly continue to advance even after sustaining severe injuries.
Reports of Ukrainian citizens attempting to flee the country by posing as part of a funeral procession.
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.
Video evidence of Russian troops planting a flag in the center of Lozova, Kharkiv region, confirming its capture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying 6 Russian soldiers in the Kursk border area.
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 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.
The FSB reports the prevention of another terrorist attack planned by Ukrainian special services. A Russian citizen who was preparing terrorist attacks against a high-ranking officer of the Ministry of Defense and a military blogger covering the progress of the SVO was detained. The detainee seized the Armed Forces of Ukraine, received by him from a cache in the Moscow region. He is currently giving evidence.
Footage showing the destruction of an enemy UAV control point by drone operators of the 36th Army of the Vostok group. The area of Velikaya Novoselka and its surroundings.
Ukrainian forces report that the Russian military is executing North Korean soldiers to prevent them from being captured.
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.
Ukrainian forces are continuing to transfer reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which was trained and equipped by France. These forces were intended for the anticipated winter offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, due to the rapidly evolving situation south of Krasnoarmiisk, the Ukrainian command has been forced to deploy these reserves, which had been accumulated for offensive operations.
Ukrainian forces equipped with two shotguns shot down Russian Mavik drones.
Marines used UAVs to locate and eliminate a Baba Yaga-type heavy drone in the Kakhovka direction. During reconnaissance, a UAV operator of the Northern Fleet Marines detected the drone, directed his drone on a suitable trajectory, and rammed into it.
The Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, with the help of donations, shot down a Russian Zala reconnaissance UAV wrapped in reinforced tape.
Orlov Region
3 Storm Shadow missiles attacked a military facility in the Orlov region on Thursday, killing 2 soldiers and injuring 7.
Ukrainian forces struck a fortified military facility of the Russian Armed Forces in the Oryol region. As a result of the strike, a storage, maintenance, and repair facility for "Shahed" kamikaze drones, consisting of several reinforced concrete shelters, was destroyed. This combat operation significantly reduced the enemy's capability to conduct air raids using kamikaze drones against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. The Armed Forces of Ukraine possess detailed intelligence on Russian military objects. Efforts to identify and neutralize targets on the aggressor's territory will continue.
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 have effectively out on the Pokrovsk-Dnipro highway. Russian DRGs are operating in Pokrovsk itself.
Ukrainian forces are continuing to transfer reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which was trained and equipped by France. These forces were intended for the anticipated winter offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, due to the rapidly evolving situation south of Krasnoarmiisk, the Ukrainian command has been forced to deploy these reserves, which had been accumulated for offensive operations.
Pokrovsk is completely without power.
Fighters of the 155th Brigade are being transferred from the reserves of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk). The unit was trained and equipped by France and was intended for the expected winter offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Ukrainian command was forced to use these reserves, which had been accumulated for offensive operations, due to the rapidly developing situation south of Krasnoarmiisk.
Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
Ground Operations
Donetsk Oblast
Two civilians were 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 are 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.
Seven members of the 101st Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff Guard surrendered to the 132nd Brigade of the 51st Army of the Southern Military District near Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk).
Kurakhove:
Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of the city.
Ukrainian withdrawal was reported.
Liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and Gigant.
Advancing on Yantarnoye.
A bridge over the Volchya River was 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 was reported by Ukrainian forces.
Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of Kurakhove, continuing offensive operations. They liberated an additional 5 sq km, advancing south of Ukrainian positions in the industrial zone. Video evidence confirms the 68th tank regiment's advance, capturing an enemy position.
Reports persist that Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from Kurakhove. Heavy fighting continues in the city center.
Russian forces have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and are advancing on Yantarnoye, destroying a bridge over the Volchya River. Russian forces report liberating the settlement of Gigant to the south of Kurakhove. Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
Video evidence shows drone strikes on various targets, including a communications repeater. Snipers and drone operators are actively targeting Ukrainian forces, disrupting rotations. Intense clashes are ongoing near several settlements, with Russian forces making gains, including the liberation of Elizavetovka. Ukrainian forces used drones to target Russian positions in the Kurakhovo direction, and video evidence shows Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian observation posts, soldiers, and positions. A drone recording of a military engagement in the Kurakhovo direction shows soldiers from the 68th tank regiment advancing, taking an enemy position, and surprising reinforcements. Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
Sontsovka has been renamed Krasnoye.
In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna.
Ongoing battles near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk.
Russian forces advanced more than 1km from Dalnee and took up new positions west of the settlement.
Video shows a compilation of nighttime operations conducted by operators of the 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, using drones to target and destroy enemy infantry and equipment in the vicinity of the Sukhi Yaly River.
Russian forces are advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko.
Ukrainian forces report the loss of some positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces are consolidating their control over approximately 80% of Kurakhove. Clashes continue in the central part of the city for the remaining high-rise buildings. Russian forces liberated Gigant. Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka from the north and east. Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Positional fighting in Kurakhove.
Russian forces reportedly came under fire in an administrative building of the Kurakhovskaya TPP.
Russian assault units advanced up to 1.5 km west of the city and occupied new positions on the territory of the power plant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Heavy fighting continues in the Kurakhove area. Russian forces report fierce battles near Peschanoe and Volchye, with attempts to advance towards Chunishino and Myrolyubivka. Ukrainian forces report heavy fighting in Lysovka, with Russian forces advancing to the center of the settlement. Ukrainian forces also report destroying a reserve of the so-called "Caucasian Legion" that was advancing on armored vehicles to reinforce Ukrainian units in Lysovka. Ukrainian forces are attempting to prevent Russian advances near Peschanoe, Volchye, and Solyonoe at any cost, using all available means of destruction and reserves. The situation is similar south of Kurakhove, near Novovasylivka and Novoelizavetivka, where a breakthrough by Russian forces threatens to reach the Dnipropetrovsk region and encircle Kurakhove from the west.
A sniper from the "Sniper Group E40" unit eliminated two Russian soldiers near Toretsk.
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.
Russian forces captured Storozheve and advanced towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar and Novopustynka. They liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne. Russian forces report that they are maneuvering to encircle Ukrainian forces near Velyka Novosilka and have advanced towards the road near Vremivka.
Reports of Ukrainian forces being encircled in Makarivka are officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Fighting continues in Novyi Komar, with Russian forces attacking from both sides to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
Reports of Makarivka's liberation on December 16th and control gained over the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed, and Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket."
The situation in Velyka Novosilka remains extremely difficult, according to DeepState. Russian forces are attempting to encircle the town from the northeast and southwest.
Video shows artillery operations by the 1461st Amur Regiment against Ukrainian positions in Novoselka.
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.
The situation around Velyka Novosilka continues to deteriorate for Ukrainian forces. Russian troops have secured several strongpoints north of the road to Huliaipole, and counterattacks have been unsuccessful. Fighting continues to capture Neskuchne, with Ukrainian forces attempting to hold onto Novyi Komar and prevent the road to Velyka Novosilka from being cut off. Russian forces are also advancing near Rozdolne to improve their tactical position.
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.
