Military Situation in Ukraine: Major Updates - December 28, 2024, 16:35 UTC

Intensified Drone Warfare

Mykolaiv Region Under Sustained Drone Attack

A multi-story building in Mykolaiv caught fire due to a drone attack. The fire has been extinguished, but a new fire has been reported, along with damage to a house.
Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, injuring 8 civilians.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Ukrainian air defenses are operating in Mykolaiv Oblast against suspected reconnaissance drones and attack drones.
Multiple drones are confirmed to be moving through Kutsurub, Halytsynove, and Kosa areas.
Explosions have been reported in Mykolaiv amidst the drone attack.
Air raid alerts are in effect for Mykolaiv due to the drone threat.
Enemy drones are moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske/Pivdenne (Odesa Oblast).
Drones are also reported in Mykolaiv Oblast, approaching from the south. Two drones are reported near Kobleve, and two more are moving from the Tendra Spit towards Ochakiv.
Enemy drones are reportedly heading towards Mykolaiv Oblast from the south, with a call for residents of Ochakiv to take shelter.
Odesa Oblast is also under threat of enemy drone attacks.
Ukrainian air defense systems are actively engaging Russian drones, with reports of "first drones shot down" in the Mykolaiv region.
Three drones are confirmed to be moving through Kutsurub in a northerly direction.
One drone is reported near the Korabelnyi district of Mykolaiv, with potential for loud noise.
One drone is reported in the Halytsynove area.
Two drones are circling near the Kosa area.
One drone is flying from Velyka Korenykha towards the Zavodskyi/Centralnyi district of Mykolaiv, with active engagement reported.
One drone is confirmed to be circling near Nechaiane, with previous drones in the area either shot down or suppressed by electronic warfare.
One drone is confirmed near Ochakiv.
One drone is reported in the Nechaiane area, with the course shifting towards Odesa Oblast.
A group of drones is moving south of Mykolaiv towards the city, with a call for residents to take shelter.
Two new drones are approaching Velyka Korenykha, with potential for anti-drone operations to be heard in the city.
One drone is still circling west of Mykolaiv.
Explosions were heard again in Mykolaiv.
A new report indicates damage to a house in Mykolaiv from a "Shahed" drone attack, with no significant damage and ongoing assessment of the surrounding area.

Drone Activity Across Multiple Regions

Chernihiv Region: Drone movement detected in Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions, with alerts for Nizhyn and Pryluky.
Voronezh Region: Over 10 drones reportedly detected and destroyed in the suburbs of Voronezh.
Belgorod Region: Two civilians injured, and several villages lost electricity due to Ukrainian drone attacks. Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Rostov Oblast: 17 Ukrainian drones destroyed overnight.
Volchansk, Kharkiv Oblast: Ukrainian forces reportedly using around 100 drones per day.
Donetsk Oblast: Ukrainian drone attacks reported in Horlivka and Makeevsky, with casualties in Horlivka. Russian forces claim to have destroyed a Ukrainian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka and a communications repeater in Kurakhove direction.
Kursk Region: Ukrainian drone operation targeted a Russian T-90 tank and ammunition depot. Reports of North Korean and Russian troop casualties.
Kharkiv Region: Increased drone activity, with reports of Russian drones destroying Ukrainian armored vehicles and personnel. Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Kupyansk, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
Other Regions: Ukrainian forces report shooting down 20 out of 31 drones launched by Russia. Ukrainian drones reportedly able to strike targets up to 2000 km away. Reports of Russia integrating AI into Shahed drones.
Kyiv Oblast: Several groups of attack drones detected south of Kyiv, suggesting a potential imminent drone attack on the capital or surrounding areas. Ukrainian air defense systems are likely on high alert. Air raid alerts issued for Kyiv and several other Oblasts due to the threat of attack drones.
Crimea: A drone struck a ship in Crimea that was seized by Russia in 2014.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
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.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
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.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
A video shows drone footage of a Russian soldier loading a modified drone with grenades and deploying it.
The MANTICORA unmanned aerial vehicle battalion of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna Kyivska needs help. The battalion is asking for donations of charging stations, generators, Starlink satellite systems, pickup trucks, frequency scanners, tablets, and ground stations for FPV drones.

Ground Operations

Donetsk Oblast: Heavy Fighting Continues

Kurakhove: Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of the city, with reports of Ukrainian withdrawal and intense clashes. Russian forces are advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko. Russian assault units advanced up to 1.5 km west of the city. Russian forces report liberating the settlement of Gigant to the south of Kurakhove.
Vremivka Direction: Russian forces captured Storozheve and are advancing towards Velyka Novosilka, with reports of a destroyed bridge over the Mokri Yaly river. Russian forces 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.
Toretsk: Russian forces advanced near the Toretska mine and behind New York, taking the center of Shcherbinovka.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces have effectively cut off 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. Pokrovsk is completely without power.
Chasiv Yar: Fighting continues in the urban areas, with reports of Ukrainian forces retaking some positions. Ukrainian forces have temporarily stabilized the situation and conducted a series of successful counterattacks. The threat to more than half of the city, which remains under Ukrainian control, has been somewhat mitigated. Ukrainian forces have regained positions in part of the fire-resistant compound and partially on the flank towards Konstiantynivka.
Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction: Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka. Fighting for Novovasylivka continues. Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud. Heavy fighting continues around several settlements, including Shevchenko, Pischane, and Novotroyitske, with Russian forces making incremental gains.
Other: 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 destroyed a Ukrainian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold and a mortar position in the Kurakhove direction.

Other Key Developments

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.
F-16: The Pentagon has refused to comment on reports of a downed F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
North Korean Soldiers: Reports indicate significant losses among North Korean soldiers in the Russian army, with 1,000 casualties in the past week alone.
New Russian Artillery: New Russian self-propelled artillery systems are reportedly being deployed, capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 50 kilometers.
Azerbaijan-Russia Conflict: Public conflict between Azerbaijan and Russia over the Baku-Grozny flight is escalating.
Ukrainian forces 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 Ambassador to the EU reported that Russia is integrating AI into Shahed drones.
3 Storm Shadow missiles attacked a military facility in the Orlov region on Thursday, killing 2 soldiers and injuring 7.
Satellite images show a Russian military facility in the Orlov region that was hit by SS missiles on December 26th.
Russian military expert Andrey Marochko claims that Russian forces repelled nearly 2,000 Ukrainian counterattacks in the LPR in 2024, with Ukrainian losses nearing 400,000.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that conscripts from the autumn draft were not sent to the special operation zone or to units in the DPR, LPR, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has released a summary of operations to counter a Ukrainian attempt to invade the Kursk region, claiming significant Ukrainian losses.
Russian forces liberated Lozova.
Video and photographic evidence confirm the liberation of Lozova by Russian forces, with the 27th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 1st Guards Tank Army raising the Russian flag in the center of the village.
There are reports suggesting that Kyiv may be preparing provocations at nuclear facilities in Ukraine or at Russian nuclear power plants. This is based on news reports and intelligence data, including information about Ukrainian delegations visiting a US national laboratory in Idaho for a course on nuclear forensics.
Ukrainian sabotage groups are setting fire to post offices in Ukraine, reportedly used for mobilization purposes.
Reports that the Prime Minister of Denmark has stocked up on canned goods due to fears of a Russian attack.
Reports that Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to several Russian cities for safety reasons.
Azerbaijan Airlines states that the preliminary cause of the plane crash near Aktau was "physical and technical external impact."
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a fair investigation into the plane crash in Kazakhstan, suggesting possible damage from a Russian anti-aircraft system.
Flydubai has canceled flights from Sochi and Minvod to Dubai from December 28 to January 5, citing security threats.
The Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, Rashad Nabiyev, commented on the plane crash near Aktau, stating that the preliminary cause was "external interference" and that the debris and witness accounts support this theory.
Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan are set to join BRICS as partner countries starting January 1, 2025. Four additional countries have also been invited.
A Ukrainian fighter from the "Wolves of Da Vinci" battalion called for the preparation of Ukrainian teenagers for war, stating that "18-year-olds and 15-year-olds should realize that they will most likely have to fight." He advocated for changes in the education system to prepare them for "tough and brutal" warfare. However, the Office of the President of Ukraine has so far rejected US proposals to lower the mobilization age to 18.
According to the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Russia has approximately 1,400 long-range missiles in its arsenal, including around 350 "Kalibr" cruise missiles, 500 "Oniks" missiles, over 50 "Kinzhal" missiles, over 130 "Iskander" missiles, and over 400 "Kh-101," "Kh-55," and "Kh-35" missiles. The HUR representative, Andrii Yusov, noted that Russia is now paying more attention to planning and reconnaissance and is not operating as indiscriminately as it did in the early stages of the full-scale invasion. He also stated that Russia is capable of producing 120-150 "Iskander," "Kalibr," and "Kh-101" missiles per month.
Moldova's gas supply from Russia will cease on January 1, 2025, due to outstanding debts and contract violations, according to Gazprom. This could significantly impact Moldova's energy security and potentially escalate tensions with Russia. However, the right bank of Moldova is reportedly secured with gas supplies until the end of March 2025.
A video has surfaced showing the loading of the Russian vessel Ursa Major with heavy port cranes and components for a nuclear icebreaker. The vessel was reportedly sunk by explosions on December 23, resulting in two crew member deaths. This incident could significantly delay the modernization of the port of Vladivostok and the construction of the nuclear icebreaker. Russian authorities claim sabotage, but no evidence has been presented. The financial losses are estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Fog has been reported in Kyiv, with a "yellow" level of danger issued. This could affect visibility and potentially impact air operations, including drone usage.

Updated Situation - December 28, 2024, 16:35 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. Following the liberation of Zahryzove in the Kharkiv region, Russian forces are reportedly advancing towards Bohuslavka, located approximately 3 kilometers away.

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. 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. New drone threats are reported, with drones approaching from the Tendra Spit towards Odesa/Pivdenne.

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. Two civilians were injured in Horlivka due to a Ukrainian attack. Ukrainian forces conducted four attacks on populated areas of the Donetsk region, resulting in casualties. Allegations of war crimes committed by Ukrainian forces in Selydove have surfaced, adding another layer of complexity to the humanitarian crisis. A video interview with a resident of Selydove alleges that Ukrainian forces killed a civilian woman. The video is presented as part of a "tribunal" for crimes of "Ukrainian Neo-Nazis," aligning with Russian narratives. The testimony describes Ukrainian soldiers taking refuge in a basement and a subsequent shooting incident. The resident claims to have witnessed the event through binoculars. The video includes footage of the resident pointing out the location of the alleged incident.

The US continues to provide military aid to Ukraine, with another package expected to be announced soon, reportedly worth $1.25 billion. The package will include munitions, Stinger man-portable air defense systems, and rockets for HAWK and NASAMS air defense systems. The Pentagon has refused to comment on reports of a downed F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The White House claims to have "primary evidence" that the Baku-Grozny flight was shot down by Russian air defense. Internal US discussions reveal a complex strategic dilemma regarding the war in Ukraine, with concerns about Russian nuclear escalation influencing their approach to military aid and support for Ukraine.

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. Slovak Prime Minister Fico stated that the Ukrainian leadership is leading the country to disaster and that Kyiv will pay for this "adventure" with territorial losses and the presence of foreign troops. A Russian tanker, "Eagle S," detained in the Baltic Sea for allegedly damaging the Estlink-2 cable, was reportedly carrying espionage equipment used to track NATO ships and aircraft. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that NATO will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea due to "possible sabotage against underwater cables."

The involvement of North Korean troops on the Russian side adds complexity to the conflict, with reports of high casualties and suicides among them.

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 reported deployment of new Russian self-propelled artillery units with extended range and the destruction of Ukrainian military equipment 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.

A report from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development indicates a record number of homeless people in the country.

A fundraising campaign for Russian paratroopers is ongoing.

Over 135,000 applications for registration have been received from owners of channels and social media pages with an audience exceeding 10,000 users. Roskomnadzor has already registered over 49,000 such pages. Almost half (47%) of surveyed Russians were able to save money from their salaries in the past year. Popular savings goals include vacations and travel (24%), home repairs (24%), gifts for loved ones and medical treatment (19% each), and investments (13%). A court case is underway regarding the theft of Anatoly Chubais' property by his former business partners. Chubais has reportedly reduced his claims by 5 million rubles but maintains his demand for criminal prosecution of the accused. Reports indicate that equipment from Japan and Germany is being used in the production of the "Oreshnik" missile. A Russian propaganda video is circulating, depicting the Russian air defense shooting down Santa Claus over the Kremlin. A video shows the aftermath of a plane crash in an arid field, with emergency responders present. A passenger claims survival due to divine intervention, while speculation arises about potential financial influence on the investigation. An image allegedly depicts the aftermath of a plane crash in Kazakhstan, with claims that the plane was shot down by the "Akhmat" unit. This claim should be treated with caution and requires further verification. Reports of increased security at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.

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.

Over 79% of applicants to Russian vocational schools and 84% of their parents believe the prestige of such education has increased in recent years. This is partly attributed to the "Professionalitet" project. The Russian Minister of Education reported an increase in college graduate employment from 58% to 81% over four years.

The overall 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 Updates Since Previous Report

Moldova's gas supply from Russia will cease on January 1, 2025, due to outstanding debts and contract violations, according to Gazprom. This could significantly impact Moldova's energy security and potentially escalate tensions with Russia. However, the right bank of Moldova is reportedly secured with gas supplies until the end of March 2025.
A video has surfaced showing the loading of the Russian vessel Ursa Major with heavy port cranes and components for a nuclear icebreaker. The vessel was reportedly sunk by explosions on December 23, resulting in two crew member deaths. This incident could significantly delay the modernization of the port of Vladivostok and the construction of the nuclear icebreaker. Russian authorities claim sabotage, but no evidence has been presented. The financial losses are estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Fog has been reported in Kyiv, with a "yellow" level of danger issued. This could affect visibility and potentially impact air operations, including drone usage.
Reports of a new Russian propaganda video depicting the Russian air defense shooting down Santa Claus over the Kremlin.
Reports of an image allegedly depicting the aftermath of a plane crash in Kazakhstan, with claims that the plane was shot down by the "Akhmat" unit. This claim should be treated with caution and requires further verification.
Reports of increased security at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.
New statement from the Ukrainian fighter from the "Wolves of Da Vinci" battalion calling for the preparation of Ukrainian teenagers for war, stating that "18-year-olds and 15-year-olds should realize that they will most likely have to fight."
New report from the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) stating that Russia has approximately 1,400 long-range missiles in its arsenal, including around 350 "Kalibr" cruise missiles, 500 "Oniks" missiles, over 50 "Kinzhal" missiles, over 130 "Iskander" missiles, and over 400 "Kh-101," "Kh-55," and "Kh-35" missiles.
Russian forces report that drone operators from the 110th Brigade operating in the Kurakhove direction spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Russia is developing automated programs to identify illegal content on the internet, according to a new strategy to combat extremism.
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that several important personnel decisions are being prepared, and the corresponding decrees will be issued soon.
Reports of fog in Kyiv, with a "yellow" danger level issued, potentially affecting visibility and impacting air operations, including drone usage.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) reports that Russia has about 1,400 long-range missiles, including about 350 "Kalibr" cruise missiles, 500 "Oniks" missiles, over 50 "Kinzhal" missiles, over 130 "Iskander" missiles, and over 400 "Kh-101," "Kh-55," and "Kh-35" missiles. Russia is now paying more attention to planning and reconnaissance and is not acting as indiscriminately as in the early stages of a full-scale invasion, noted Andrii Yusov, a representative of the HUR. He also noted that Russia is capable of producing 120-150 "Iskander," "Kalibr," and "Kh-101" missiles per month.
The Russian Federation will develop automated programs to detect illegal content on the Internet to combat extremism, according to the strategy.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, announced that several important personnel decisions are being prepared, and the corresponding decrees will be issued soon.
Criminal case on the plane crash in Kazakhstan has been transferred to the central office of the Investigative Committee.
Reports of a possible drone in the vicinity of Yeysk.
Operators of UAVs continue their continuous work to destroy the enemy.
During the day, the enemy attacked Nikopol region about twenty times - Nikopol itself, Pokrovsk, Marhanets and Chervonogrigorivska communities. 12 private houses, 3 outbuildings, 4 cars and a truck were damaged. Infrastructure and gas stations were destroyed. A power line was hit. There were no fatalities or injuries.
In Krasnoyarsk, a woman was first convinced to give away all the money she had (7 thousand rubles), and then to set fire to a gas station in order to get it back. On December 20, 2024, an unknown person called the woman's mobile phone. During a telephone conversation, the man fraudulently induced the suspect to set fire to a gas station. Acting on the man's instructions, the woman prepared three bottles with an incendiary mixture, came to a gas station on Popova Street in Krasnoyarsk on December 25, where she threw bottles at the gas station, causing a fire. The fire was extinguished on the spot by gas station employees.
A criminal case was initiated under Part 3 of Article 30, Part 2 of Article 167 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (attempted intentional destruction and damage to another's property committed out of hooligan motives, by arson, by a generally dangerous method). The suspect was detained and remanded in custody.
Everyone is once again urged not to neglect communication with relatives and friends - explain simple truths to them! The enemy continues to take advantage of the ignorance and gullibility of our citizens - especially young and old. Holidays are coming up - an excellent opportunity to destabilize society with such sabotage. Do not let your week be spoiled, and, more importantly, do not let a crime be committed.
Hackers attacked the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and airports in Italy. Responsibility was claimed by hackers from Noname057 (16) - a pro-Russian group that accompanied the attack with a statement that "the Russophobes of Italy are receiving a deserved cyber response."
Priests are prohibited from working in show business, ballet, on the stock exchange, as debt collectors and engaging in professional sports. This activity is contrary to the teachings and moral ideals of Orthodoxy. And working in show business is based on the exploitation of human passions.
According to intelligence reports, due to high combat losses in the Kurakhove area, internal rotations of personnel of the 116th separate mechanized brigade have been significantly increased. The decline in the morale and psychological state of the soldiers became an obvious problem for the brigade, and cases of desertion and refusal to obey orders have increased. It is possible that units of the 46th separate airmobile brigade will be withdrawn from Kurakhove deep into the defense, due to the extreme decline in combat capability. The personnel of the brigade holding the front line are told to hold out for another day or two, which is a classic trick of the Ukrainian Armed Forces command when they want to buy time at the cost of the lives of the unit. In the area of Dachne, active preparation of fortifications for a reserve defense line is underway. The enemy has focused its efforts on deploying reconnaissance and fire positions and creating tactically advantageous positions within the residential area. Supplies are carried out covertly, mainly at night, through the only route Ulakly - Dachne.
In the Uspenovka area, resistance is still focused on maintaining the stability of the defense in the areas of the 71st separate jaeger brigade and the 37th separate marine brigade along the Uspenovka - Yantarnoye line. Intelligence revealed preparations for assault operations by the 71st separate jaeger brigade to regain control of lost positions west of Uspenovka. Daytime maneuvers of assault groups were stopped: one of the groups, coming under fire, was forced to retreat, suffering losses. This does not exclude the possibility of replacing the group and evacuating the wounded, emphasizing the enemy's intention to continue assault operations to improve their tactical position and regain previously lost positions. Thus, the intensity of hostilities remains relatively high, despite the winter time. The enemy is trying by any means, if not to improve their current positions, then at least to preserve them as much as possible before the start of the expected negotiation process.
The investigation of the plane crash in Kazakhstan has been transferred to the central office of the Investigative Committee.
There is an alert regarding a possible UAV in Yeysk and surrounding areas.

These new messages further detail the ongoing conflict, particularly highlighting the continued use of drones, the importance of maintaining operational security, and the impact of the conflict on civilian populations. They also touch upon the broader geopolitical landscape, including international relations and internal political developments within Russia and Ukraine. The transfer of the plane crash investigation to the central office of the Investigative Committee underscores the seriousness with which Russian authorities are treating the incident. The alert regarding a possible drone in Yeysk suggests heightened tensions and the potential for further escalation. The continued drone attacks and the ongoing fighting in Kurakhove highlight the intensity of the conflict on the ground.

Updated Situation - December 28, 2024, 16:35 UTC

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 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 situation remains highly volatile, with both sides adapting their strategies and tactics in response to the evolving battlefield dynamics

Situation Report

Military Situation in Ukraine: Major Updates - December 28, 2024, 16:35 UTC

Intensified Drone Warfare

Mykolaiv Region Under Sustained Drone Attack

Drone Activity Across Multiple Regions

Ground Operations

Donetsk Oblast: Heavy Fighting Continues

Other Key Developments

Updated Situation - December 28, 2024, 16:35 UTC

New Updates Since Previous Report

Updated Situation - December 28, 2024, 16:35 UTC