Major Military Situation Updates in Ukraine - December 28, 2024, 18:35 UTC
Donetsk Oblast
Kurakhove Direction
Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of Kurakhove, 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.
Clashes continue in the central part of the city for the remaining high-rise buildings.
Russian forces are also advancing in the western part of the high-rise buildings and have placed a flag on the roof of the sanatorium.
Russian forces continue clearing high-rise buildings and the private sector, pushing Ukrainian forces towards the territory of the thermal power plant.
Video evidence likely shows a drone recording of a military engagement in the Kurakhove direction where soldiers from the 68th tank regiment are shown to have successfully advanced, taking an enemy position and surprising reinforcements.
South of Kurakhove, Russian forces have advanced 1 km west of Dalne and expelled Ukrainian forces from nearby forest belts.
South and north of Krasnohorivka, Russian forces advanced 1.7 km and are attacking Petropavlivka.
Russian forces have expanded their control in areas surrounding Kurakhove, including advances near Shevchenko and to the south towards Dalne.
Russian assault groups have reportedly secured new positions in the Kurakhivka axis, with heavy fighting reported near several settlements.
High-intensity battles are reported in the areas of northern Shevchenko,Peschanoye,Novovasilevka,Novooleenovka,Ukrainka,Slavyanka,Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko.
Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka, further degrading Ukrainian logistics to the west of Kurakhove.
Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses, including 145 soldiers in the past 24 hours.
Russian forces liberated an additional 5 square kilometers, advancing south of Ukrainian positions in the industrial zone.
Russian forces are consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
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 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.
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.
In 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.
North of Kurakhove assault teams approached the outskirts of Petropavlivka and engaged in fighting for this settlement.
Offensive actions continue to seize the defense area of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, covering the approaches to Andriivka from the northeast.
From the area of Stari Terny, assault units of the Russian Armed Forces are fighting in Shevchenko, advancing towards Dachne and the industrial zone of Kurakhove.
Dachne is being reinforced by the enemy, additional positions are being equipped in the residential area.
In Kurakhove, assault groups occupied the first buildings in the defense area of the Kurakhove thermal power plant and are fighting on its territory.
In the area of Yantarne - Uspenivka, the enemy is trying to hold positions on the right bank with forces of 71 and 37 brigades. An attempt was made to counterattack to regain positions west of Uspenivka, but to no avail. The enemy suffered losses and retreated.
West of Kurakhove, in the Zelenivka area, units of the Russian Armed Forces advanced slightly closer to Rozlyv and Konstantinopil.
One of the brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was withdrawn for replenishment due to losses of up to 70% of personnel.
Russian forces started the assault on the thermal power plant in Kurakhove.
Russian forces are advancing near Stari Terny.
Russian forces are advancing towards Dachne and the industrial area of Kurakhove.
Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna in the central part of Shevchenko.
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.
In DPR, on the Kurakhovo direction, Russian fighters of the Siberian special forces unit "Vega" identified an enemy Leopard tank and defeated it with several FPV drones.
New Update: According to unconfirmed information, Ukrainian forces no longer control the territory of the Kurakhovskaya TPP. Their units are leaving the station under pressure from Russian assault groups.
New Update: Video evidence suggests that Russian forces have captured the Kurakhivska Thermal Power Plant. This is considered a key point in the battle for the city.
New Update: Russian forces are storming the thermal power plant and advancing in multiple directions around Kurakhove, with reports of Ukrainian forces withdrawing from the plant.
New Update: Russian forces are advancing near Shevchenko, Yantarne, Rozlyv, and Rivnopil, as confirmed by Ukrainian military analysts.
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.
Russian forces captured Storozheve and advanced towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar and Novopustynka.
Fighting continues in the southern part of Novyi Komar.
Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
Russian forces reportedly encircled Ukrainian forces in Makarivka, south of Velyka Novosilka. The information about the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Makarivka is officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed.
Ukrainian forces withdrawn from "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Storozheve.
Rogov reported the beginning of battles for the liberation of Neskuchne in DPR.
Russian forces are reportedly attacking Velyka Novosilka from both sides.
Russian forces are processing the approaches to Neskuchne.
Occupation authorities in Huliaipole are concerned about the situation, with rumors of a potential Russian offensive.
The road to Huliaipole is under the physical and fire control of the 60th Brigade of the 5th Army of the Russian Armed Forces.
All paved roads to Velyka Novosilka are blocked.
In Vremivka, Russian forces have reportedly cut off the last paved road supplying the Ukrainian garrison in Velyka Novosilka.
West of Velyka Novosilka, the 5 A guards stormed the heights along the route to the turn of the route to Vremivka (about 1 km to it). Thus, stable control of the route to Huliaipole was established. The battles for Neskuchne, which is in the lowlands and is in a semicircle, continue. At a minimum, the 5 A of the "Vostok" Group of Forces solved the task of returning all the territories that were under Russian control before the Ukrainian counterattack in this area before the New Year.
Toretsk
Russian forces advanced near the Toretska mine and behind New York, taking the center of Shcherbinovka.
Street fighting continues.
Russian forces continue attacks along Fabrychna, Rynkova, Svitla, Lesi Ukrainky streets and in the direction of the "Toretska" mine.
Heavy fighting is ongoing in Shcherbynivka (southwest of Toretsk).
Ukrainian forces, specifically pilots and infantrymen of the 5th Rifle Battalion of the 28th OMBr, used drones to force five Russian soldiers to surrender near Toretsk.
A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed.
Advanced in Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk.
In Toretsk, in the southern part of the "Central" mine, Russian fighters captured two objects on the outskirts of the spoil heap.
Advanced towards small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk.
Assault troops advanced 500 meters west in Khimkolonka area, occupied new positions in the private sector.
Civilians were evacuated from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk).
Assault on Chasov Yar continues with some success, including advances and use of heavy weaponry.
Daily assaults by Russian forces on the Toretsk front increasingly resemble battles with "Wagnerians." Unable to break through with small groups, the enemy increased the number of assault troops to 20. However, the only change was an increase in casualties.
Russian forces are advancing near Dzerzhinsk, with fighting ongoing in the center of the town.
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.
Russian forces are developing success from the southwest, attacking from the side of Dachenske.
Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud.
Fighting is ongoing in Dachenske.
Russian forces are advancing west on a broad front south of Pokrovsk, making progress near Novooleenovka and Novoyelizavetivka.
The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka.
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.
A video 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.
Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
"Birds of Magyar" attacked Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area.
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.
Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka during the assault on Yaseneve from the north and east.
Fighting for Novovasylivka continues.
"Otvazhnye" forces are making a powerful push near Pokrovsk, initiating assaults on Solone, Novovasylivka, and Novoelizavetivka.
Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka.
Heavy fighting continues around several settlements, including Shevchenko, Pischane, and Novotroyitske, with Russian forces making incremental gains.
Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
Russian troops liberated more than 5 square kilometers of the territory of the DPR and advanced from the settlement of Zarya towards Yasenev, Rogov told TASS.
Russian forces are advancing east of Myrolubivka, fording the Kazennyi Torets River and establishing a foothold on the right bank, posing a threat to Myrnohrad (formerly Dymytrov).
According to Rybar, there is fighting on the outskirts of Volkovo and Solone to the south of Pokrovsk. In addition, Russian stormtroopers broke through the defenses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and engaged in fighting on the eastern outskirts of Novoelizavetivka, liberating the nearby Novoolenovka.
New Update: Russian forces are advancing near Pischane, with reports of Russian troops occupying positions at a mine under Ukrainian fire.
New Update: Russian forces have advanced over 1 km south of Krasnoarmiisk, reaching the outskirts of Pischane.
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.
Ukrainian forces have retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound. There are currently about 150 Ukrainian soldiers at the plant.
Drone operators from the Ivanovo Airborne Forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank near 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.
Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar.
Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes.
New Update: Russian forces have advanced to the railway station in the northern part of Chasiv Yar.
Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction
Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka during the assault on Yaseneve from the north and east.
Fighting for Novovasylivka continues.
Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that as a result of decisive offensive actions, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units liberated Novy Trud (Donetsk People's Republic).
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defenses.
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.
Intense clashes are ongoing near Kurakhove, Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, Kostyantynopil, and Andriivka.
Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
A Russian soldier was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian forces on the eastern outskirts of Novovasilivka.
Residents of the liberated village of Ostrovskoe in the DPR reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
Video shows a drone strike on a convoy of vehicles. The vehicles appear to be civilian models, possibly indicating their use in a military or paramilitary capacity due to the context. The use of civilian vehicles could be a tactic to blend in with civilian traffic or to overcome shortages of military vehicles. The presence of smoke from one of the vehicles suggests it has been hit and is either on fire or severely damaged. The drone footage suggests the convoy was under surveillance and then targeted. This indicates a capability for precision strikes, which is common in modern warfare where drones are used for both reconnaissance and attack. The attack on the convoy is likely to disrupt the movement of troops or supplies. The success of such strikes can degrade the enemy's logistical capabilities and morale. The use of drones to both monitor and strike targets is a cost-effective way to engage enemy forces, reducing the risk to manned aircraft and ground troops. The video may also be used for propaganda purposes, to demonstrate the effectiveness of drone warfare and to showcase military successes.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. The footage depicts a rapid advance by the Russian battalion and confirms that at least two of the enemy combatants were incapacitated. The video shows the importance of surveillance and the potential for heavy losses in combat operations.
Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region, including Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, and Velyka Novosilka.
Video evidence suggests a Russian soldier was targeted and killed by Ukrainian forces using a thermal-scoped weapon, likely a drone-dropped munition, during a nighttime operation. The location and involved units are not specified.
425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted drone strike operation in Shevchenko.
The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly liberated Elizavetovka.
Video shows liberation of Elizavetovka, advancing towards Kurakhovo.
On December 25th, Russian sources claimed further advances towards Dimitrov and the liberation of Veselyi Gai.
Using fog as cover, a group of Russian soldiers managed to approach Ukrainian positions. However, they were met with heavy fire from the infantry of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of the 28th OMBr. Soldiers of the 28th Mechanized Brigade, constantly changing positions and using all available weapons, destroyed some of the group. One Russian soldier managed to fall into a trench to his comrade, but was quickly smoked out with grenades and eventually eliminated. The rest of the assault group began to flee, hide, and pretend to be dead. However, each was hunted down by the pilots of the Unmanned Systems Battalion and "Kurt & Company." Only one Russian soldier was lucky, as he decided to surrender. The only problem was that he turned out to be a citizen of Egypt, so the infantry had to explain everything with gestures.
Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week.
Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny.
On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, and Makiyivka.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
An interview with a resident of Selidovo (Donetsk region) was shared, detailing alleged atrocities committed by Ukrainian forces, including shelling of civilian areas, looting, and disappearances of civilians. The interviewee claims that Ukrainian forces treated locals as "separatists" and "not people," and that they engaged in widespread looting and violence. This interview is likely part of a Russian propaganda effort to demonize Ukrainian forces and justify the ongoing conflict.
Kharkiv Oblast
Russian forces launched a new offensive in the Kharkiv region, fording the Volchya River and establishing a bridgehead near Volchansk.
Starytsia: Russian forces have broken through the Ukrainian defense in Starytsia and are advancing along the Seversky Donets River.
Russian forces made progress in Zahryzove thanks to gaps in the Ukrainian defenses.
6 new drones were reported in the Kharkiv Oblast, with a course towards/through Balakliia.
Kupyansk Direction: Fighting is ongoing near Zahryzove. Clashes are reported near Kindrashivka, Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Dvorichna, and Bohuslavka.
Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing in two directions on the Kupyansk front.
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.
Drone Activity: Increased drone activity was reported in the Kharkiv region, with movements towards Balakliia.
Drone Destruction: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk.
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.
Drone Activity: Ukrainian Air Force reported activity of Russian tactical aviation in the Sea of Azov, with a threat of using air-launched munitions for front-line regions. An air raid alert has been announced for the Zaporizhzhia region.
Kharkiv Region: The Ukrainian General Staff reports clashes near Vovchansk and Vysoka Yaruha on the Kharkiv axis.
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.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the Kharkiv region is under threat of enemy drone attacks.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that enemy drones were detected in the Kharkiv area.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that enemy drones were shot down in the Kharkiv region.
Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones in the Kupyansk area.
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."
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 destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
Explosive strikes reported in the region.
One clash occurred near Vovchansk.
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.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade, operating heavy night bombers, 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.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
Kyivskyi District, Kharkiv: A Russian drone attack using a "Geran-2" UAV targeted a tree in the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv at 23:40 on December 20th. The attack caused minor damage to the facades of about ten private houses, with some windows broken. Two people sought medical attention for acute stress reactions, including an elderly woman.
Kremennaya-Terny: Active combat operations near Kremennaya. Russian forces advanced in Terny and expanded their control, pushing towards Borova.
Russian forces are successfully storming Zahryzove, pushing through enemy defenses near Lozova (which the Russian Ministry of Defense previously announced as liberated) and Zelenyi Hai, moving towards Borova. They have also made progress from
New Update: Russian forces are advancing in Volchansk and have crossed the Volchya River.
Other Regions
Kursk Region:
Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
A Russian soldier was reported missing in action in the Kursk region on December 25th.
Drone operators from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
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.
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.
Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones in Poltava in the direction of the city from the north. A new group of hostile strike UAVs are entering the airspace of Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
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.
South of Kruhlenky, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka, clearing a forest belt and gaining 1.6 km. They are also advancing towards Leonidove.
Geopolitical Developments
Russia and Iran are reportedly planning to sign a new strategic partnership agreement, potentially before a possible Trump inauguration.
US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine.
The Canadian Foreign and Finance Ministers are traveling to the US for consultations with the Trump administration.
NATO Secretary General reportedly asked Zelensky to stop criticizing Scholz over Taurus missiles.
Discussions between US and Ukrainian officials on ending the war.
NATO to coordinate military aid to Ukraine.
Discussions on sending European troops to Ukraine.
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 and wished for peace in the New Year.
Medvedev stated that it is necessary to help any destructive processes in Europe.
Medvedev is confident that friendship between the Russian Federation and the United States will not be foreseen in the next 100 years.
"The biggest enemy of the United States is themselves," the PRC Ministry of Defense said at a press conference, adding that the new US military budget adopted by Biden poses a threat to the entire world.
South Korean Constitutional Court begins impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol for imposing martial law.
Czech Republic states it will not invest in Ukraine due to rampant corruption.
US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly trying to shift the responsibility for providing military aid to Ukraine to European countries.
Lavrov states that a truce in Ukraine would be a dead end. Russia demands reliable agreements.
Lavrov expresses hope that the Trump administration will understand the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine. Russia is ready for consultations.
Biden expresses outrage over Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. He pledges continued US and international support for Kyiv and instructs the Pentagon to increase arms supplies.
Vucic held a telephone conversation with Zelensky, thanking him for Serbia's financial support to Ukraine and coordinating efforts on their joint path to the EU.
The European Union is planning to strengthen the protection of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea.
A Norwegian ship reportedly refused to rescue Russian sailors from a sinking vessel, prompting condemnation from Russian officials.
The parliament of South Korea has impeached the acting president, Han Duck-soo.
Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev demanded punishment for the Norwegians who refused to rescue Russian sailors from a sunken cargo ship.
