Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - December 29, 2024, 05:28 UTC
Key Developments
Drone Warfare
Mykolaiv Region:
Drone threat has reportedly passed.
Up to 10 drones and several FPV drones were involved in the recent attack.
Ukrainian air defense systems engaged multiple Russian drones near Nechaiane, Ochakiv, and Velyka Korenykha.
Air raid alerts were in effect but have been lifted.
A multi-story building caught fire due to a drone attack.
Russian drones were launched from Crimea.
Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol caused damage and injured 8 civilians, one woman is in critical condition and 3 are in severe condition.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Up to 10 drones were reported over Ochakiv, with some shot down. One drone was reported near Parutino.
New enemy drone attacks reported in Ochakiv from the Black Sea.
New enemy drone attacks reported in Ochakiv, Mykolaiv Oblast, from the Black Sea.
Chernihiv Region:
Drone movement detected in the Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions.
Drone movements reported in Chernihiv Oblast to the west.
Reports of drones near Nizhyn.
Drone threat in the Sumy region has reportedly passed.
End of the drone threat reported in Sumy Oblast.
City of Pryluky is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast.
One drone was reported north of Chernihiv, moving westward. Two drones from the Nizhyn area were heading southwest. One 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 detected and destroyed in the suburbs of Voronezh.
Debris from downed drones caused damage to railway infrastructure.
Belgorod Region:
Two civilians injured in the Krasnogvardeisky district due to a Ukrainian drone attack.
Several villages in the Grayvoron district without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack.
Drone hit the village of Verkhososna, damaging a power line.
Two drones attacked Borisovka, injuring two civilians and damaging an administrative building.
Drone attacked a moving vehicle in Murom, injuring the driver.
FPV drone attacked a private house in Novaya Tavolzhanka.
Drone attacked an agricultural enterprise in Gruzskoye, damaging a parked bus.
Ukrainian drone attacked a school in Borisovka.
Russian plane dropped a 500-kilogram aerial bomb on Razumnoye-71.
Two more Russian drones shot down over the region.
A civilian was injured in a Ukrainian drone attack.
Rostov Oblast:
17 Ukrainian drones destroyed and suppressed overnight.
4 more UAVs destroyed and suppressed by electronic warfare.
Volchansk, Kharkiv Oblast:
Ukrainian forces reportedly using around 100 drones per day.
Donetsk Oblast:
Ukrainian drone attack on the Makeevsky Machine-Building Plant prevented.
In Horlivka, a man was killed and two others were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack.
Russian forces report operators of drones from the 110th Brigade spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
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 Russian forces used drones to target positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
Ukrainian drone "Vampir" remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault using drones in the Siversk direction.
Video evidence confirms ongoing engagements, with soldiers from the 68th tank regiment advancing and capturing enemy positions.
Drone strikes remain a significant feature of the fighting near Kurakhove.
The 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation on the Pokrovsk direction.
Video footage shows the destruction of a Starlink station by the "Southern Front" group.
Video evidence of a Russian FPV drone attacking a building with a modified munition.
Russian forces used drones to target Ukrainian positions.
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.
Ukrainian drone "Vampir" remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Kursk Region:
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists.
Video shows the crew of a Ka-52M helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold.
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.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade engaging Russian infantry.
Ukrainian forces report their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU reported that Russia is integrating AI into Shahed drones.
Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk.
Kharkiv Region:
Increased drone activity reported, with movements towards Balakliia.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle.
Russian attack drone unit eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area.
Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade destroyed enemy personnel and a truck.
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.
Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
New FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used.
Drone movements towards Poltava Oblast, and to the south-west and west in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces report a successful operation, capturing Russian soldiers.
Other Regions:
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 20 out of 31 drones launched by Russia overnight.
Extensive drone warfare continues.
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 used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area and 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 and destroyed a supply drop.
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".
Russian drone operator claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Air raid alerts issued for multiple regions.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian air defense forces neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in multiple regions.
Overnight, Russian forces attempted to attack Tokmak, Energodar, and Melitopol.
Warning regarding drone activity in Krasnodar Krai.
Air raid alerts issued for Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv Oblasts.
Ukrainian Air Force reports no threat of attack drones.
Ukrainian Air Force reported drone activity and threats in the Kharkiv region, with drones being shot down.
Ukrainian source reports that a drone struck a ship in Crimea that was seized by Russia in 2014.
Ukrainian Air Force announced the end of the threat of enemy drones.
Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones. A video message shows assistance being given to drone operators, highlighting the importance of these devices for reconnaissance.
Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region.
Ukrainian drone "Vampir" 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 neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
Ukrainian forces report 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.
Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
Ukrainian forces repelled one of the largest recent assaults in the Bakhmut direction near Klishchiivka.
Video evidence of drone attacks on Ukrainian forces personnel.
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.
Footage showing the destruction of an enemy UAV control point by drone operators of the 36th Army.
Reports of widespread drone activity across multiple regions, including new drone threats in numerous cities. Air raid alerts issued in multiple Oblasts.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces dropping a flag on Russian positions near Robotyne.
Video evidence shows the destruction of a Ukrainian UAV control point by the 1194th Motorized Rifle Regiment.
Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of enemy drone attacks from the east in Sumy Oblast and from the south in Mykolaiv Oblast.
Video evidence shows a mobile, vehicle-mounted "Repellent-Patrul" anti-drone system.
One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Two drones west of Poltava, moving northwest. Five drones near Konotop, moving southwest.
One drone is approaching Boryspil. Two drones are flying from the Poltava region to Cherkasy. One drone is flying from the Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia. Three drones are in the Pryluky area, heading southwest. Three new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest.
Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes in Chasiv Yar.
A video shows an FPV drone with a non-traditional H-shaped frame being produced by the "Aero-HIT" company from Khabarovsk. The drone is intended for transport purposes.
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 in a forest plantation, ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
A video shows members of the "Vidarr" unit of the 60th Mechanized Brigade reportedly destroying Russian forces on the Lyman front.
Orlov Region:
Three Storm Shadow missiles attacked a military facility, killing two soldiers and injuring seven.
Ukrainian forces struck a fortified military facility of the Russian Armed Forces, destroying a storage, maintenance, and repair facility for "Shahed" drones.
Ground Operations
Donetsk Oblast
Two civilians injured in Horlivka due to a Ukrainian attack.
Fighting continues in the Dzerzhinsk area.
Ukrainian forces conducted four attacks on populated areas of the Donetsk region.
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 electronic warfare systems disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week.
Seven members of the 101st Brigade surrendered near Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk).
Intense fighting continues in the southern part of the Donetsk direction.
Heavy artillery battles reported near Pokrovsk.
Fighting escalating in the direction of Myrnohrad.
Kurakhove:
Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city.
Ukrainian withdrawal reported.
Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and Gigant liberated.
Advancing on Yantarnoye.
Bridge over the Volchya River destroyed.
Clashes near multiple settlements.
Airstrikes reported.
Guided air bombs against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
Forest belt occupation south of Zelenivka.
High-intensity battles near several settlements.
Drone and sniper activity.
Positional fighting in the Kurakhove-Dalnee area.
Night raid by "Mad Dogs" brigade.
Communications repeater destruction.
Advance towards Shevchenko.
Loss of positions reported by Ukrainian forces.
Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of Kurakhove, continuing offensive operations.
Reports persist that Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from Kurakhove.
Russian forces liberated several settlements and are advancing, destroying a bridge.
Video evidence shows drone strikes on various targets.
Snipers and drone operators actively targeting Ukrainian forces.
Intense clashes ongoing near several settlements.
Sontsovka renamed Krasnoye.
In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna.
Ongoing battles near multiple settlements.
Russian forces advanced more than 1km from Dalnee.
Video shows nighttime operations conducted by operators of the 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade.
Russian forces advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko.
Ukrainian forces report the loss of some positions.
Russian forces consolidating control over approximately 80% of Kurakhove.
Clashes continue in the central part of the city.
Russian forces liberated Gigant.
Russian forces storming Novooleenovka.
Video shows drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel.
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.
Video evidence confirms ongoing engagements.
Russian assault troops intensifying efforts.
Russian forces are effectively out on the Pokrovsk-Dnipro highway.
Russian DRGs are operating in Pokrovsk itself.
Heavy fighting continues in the Kurakhove area.
Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
Russian forces report liberating the settlement of Gigant to the south of Kurakhove.
A video from December 25th shows the results of an attack on Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area by the 414th Separate Brigade "Birds of Magyar," including the destruction of a motorcycle with Russian military personnel on it.
Vremivka Direction:
Russian forces captured Storozheve, forming a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka, and liberated Uspenovka and Novyi Komar.
Ukrainian forces reportedly encircled in Makarivka, though this is officially denied.
Clashes ongoing near multiple settlements.
Russian forces advancing towards Velyka Novosilka.
Bridge over the Mokri Yaly river destroyed.
Russian forces reportedly liberated Makarivka and gained control of the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
Russian forces reportedly already at the Huliaipole-Velyka Novoselka road west of Vremivka and Neskuchne.
Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Storozheve.
Rogov reported the beginning of battles for the liberation of Neskuchne.
Russian forces reportedly attacking Velyka Novosilka from both sides.
Russian forces processing the approaches to Neskuchne.
Occupation authorities in Huliaipole concerned about the situation.
Russian forces captured Storozheve and advanced towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket".
Reports of Ukrainian forces being encircled in Makarivka are officially denied.
Fighting continues in Novyi Komar.
Reports of Makarivka's liberation on December 16th.
Liberation of Uspenovka completed.
Situation in Velyka Novosilka remains extremely difficult.
Video shows artillery operations by the 1461st Amur Regiment.
Russian forces have severed the last paved road supplying the Ukrainian garrison in Velyka Novosilka.
Toretsk:
Street fighting continues.
Russian forces captured two objects on the outskirts of the "Central" mine spoil heap.
Clashes ongoing near multiple settlements.
Russian forces advancing behind New York.
Continued fighting reported.
Ukrainian command post destroyed near the Toretsk mine.
Ukrainian forces destroy some of an enemy assault group, capturing an Egyptian mercenary.
Street fighting divides the city.
Two Ukrainian infantrymen captured five Russian soldiers.
Video shows a raid on a high-rise building in Toretsk by the "Athena" group.
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.
Russian forces are advancing towards the northern outskirts of Dzerzhinsk.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced to the central market along Mayakovsky Street in Toretsk.
Russian forces are advancing near Dzerzhinsk, with fighting ongoing in the center of the town.
In the western part of Shcherbynivka, Russian artillery is targeting Ukrainian positions.
Chasiv Yar:
Russian forces control over half of the city.
Ukrainian units regrouping.
Russian forces retook positions at the fire-resistant compound.
Clashes reported near Stupochky and Predtechyne.
Ukrainian forces retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound.
Drone operators destroyed a Ukrainian tank.
Ukrainian forces temporarily stabilized the situation and conducted counterattacks.
Threat to more than half of the city mitigated.
Ukrainian forces regained positions in part of the fire-resistant compound.
24th Mechanized Brigade, 5th Assault Brigade, 93rd Mechanized Brigade involved in holding off Russian forces.
Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound.
Ukrainian forces retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound.
About 150 Ukrainian soldiers at the plant.
Ukrainian forces temporarily stabilized the situation.
Pokrovsk:
Russian forces advancing south towards Ukrainka, reportedly entering Pisky.
Russian forces storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka.
High-intensity battles ongoing near multiple settlements.
Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino.
Ukrainian forces are continuing to transfer reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk).
Pokrovsk is completely without power.
Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk.
Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka.
Russian forces liberated the settlement of Novyi Trud.
Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the Pokrovsk direction.
"Birds of Magyar" attacked Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area, including the destruction of a motorcycle with Russian military personnel on it.
The "Baltic Group" of the 59th Motorized Brigade used drones to target and destroy a Russian BMP, 5 soldiers, a motorcycle, and a pickup truck.
Russian artillerymen of the Tsentr Group of Forces reportedly obliterated a Ukrainian stronghold and manpower cluster in the Krasnoarmeysk direction using indirect fire from a range of about 10 kilometers.
Russian forces are attacking from the southwest, liberating Novyi Trud and engaging in fighting 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 reached the central part of Lysivka.
Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka, entering Pisky, and storming Novooleenovka while advancing towards Slavyanka.
Russian forces advanced near Pushkino, liberating Veselyi Gai, and are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk.
Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
Russian forces struck a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction.
Russian forces are developing success from the southwest, attacking from the side of Dachenske.
Russian forces, having liberated Novopustynka, repelled multiple enemy attempts to retake the village and captured 10 Ukrainian soldiers.
Russian forces are advancing towards the northern outskirts of Dzerzhinsk.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced to the central market along Mayakovsky Street in Toretsk.
Kharkiv Oblast
Russian forces launched a new offensive, fording the Volchya River and establishing a bridgehead near Volchansk.
Starytsia: Russian forces broken through the Ukrainian defense and are advancing.
Zahryzove: Russian forces made progress.
Kupyansk Direction: Fighting ongoing near several settlements. Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing.
Kharkiv Axis: Clashes reported near several settlements.
Reserves Transfer: Kyiv transferring reserves to Lozova.
Drone Activity: Increased drone activity reported. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk. Ukrainian forces repelled a large mechanized attack near the Oskil River.
Heat Supply Disruption: 500,000 subscribers without heat.
Military Operations: Russian sources claim advances in the Kupyansk direction. Video footage reportedly shows Russian army aviation using unguided aerial rockets against Ukrainian positions.
Air Force Reports: Ukrainian Air Force reported drone activity and threats, with drones being shot down.
Tank Destruction: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 with a drone.
Casualties in Kupiansk: One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured.
Civilian Hit by Drone: Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man in Kupyansk.
Explosive Strikes: Reported in the region.
Clash near Vovchansk: One clash occurred.
Airstrikes and Drone Strikes: Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 NARs and 27 drone strikes.
Drone Unit Elimination: Russian attack drone unit eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area.
"ACHILLES" Battalion Action: Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion destroyed enemy personnel and a truck.
Drone Attack on Russian Position: Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road.
16th Special Forces Brigade Action: Fighters destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
Drone and Armored Vehicle Destruction: Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone and an armored vehicle.
Leopard Tank Destruction: Leopard tank destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
Lozova: Video evidence of Russian troops planting a flag in the center of Lozova.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the flag of the Russian Federation has been raised in the center of Lozovaya (Kharkiv region) by servicemen of the 27th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade.
Captured Soldier's Account: Captured Russian soldier discussed interactions with North Korean troops.
Drone Strike: Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
Alleged Terrorist Plot Foiled: FSB reportedly prevented a terrorist attack in the Moscow region.
Ukrainian Troop and Tank Losses: Russian Ministry of Defense reported Ukrainian losses.
AFU Losses Since Start of Hostilities: Russian Ministry of Defense reports significant AFU losses.
Kruhlenke Advance: South of Kruhlenke, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka.
Ukrainian Drone Operation: Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation.
Fighting: Battles on the Kursk front.
Two more Ukrainian missiles were reportedly shot down over the Kursk region, according to the regional government.
A Ukrainian soldier surrendered to Russian forces in the Kursk region after reading a leaflet.
Geopolitical Developments
United States:
The US administration expects to reach the ceiling of the US national debt between January 14 and 23. Authorities will be forced to take emergency measures to prevent default, according to a letter from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
Internal US discussions reveal a complex strategic dilemma regarding the war in Ukraine. The Biden administration is reportedly grappling with the threat of Russian nuclear escalation, influencing their approach to military aid and support for Ukraine.
The White House claims to have "primary evidence" that the Baku-Grozny flight was shot down by Russian air defense.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart about recent events on the battlefield and US support for Ukraine. Blinken reaffirmed the US's unwavering support for Ukraine.
The US State Department reportedly closed its Global Engagement Center (GEC), which was established to "counter propaganda and disinformation" from foreign states. The closure follows allegations that the center was used to target conservative American citizens.
US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine.
The US will allocate another arms package to Ukraine in the coming days, including air defense systems.
Fox News included President Biden's recent gaffe, referring to Ukrainian President Zelensky as "President [Vladimir] Putin".
The Pentagon has refused to comment on reports of a downed F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Humanitarian Aid: American and Moscow communists collaborating to deliver humanitarian aid to the Donbas region.
Slovakia:
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.
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.
Baltic Sea:
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."
Israel: The Israeli military reportedly used a US-supplied THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system to intercept a ballistic missile launched from Yemen.
BRICS: 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.
Denmark:
Reports that the Prime Minister of Denmark has stocked up on canned goods due to fears of a Russian attack.
Denmark is reportedly allocating a $303 million aid package to Ukraine, with a significant portion dedicated to the maintenance of US-supplied F-16 fighter jets. Denmark has already delivered 6 F-16s to Ukraine and plans to deliver 13 more. Denmark has also authorized Ukraine to use its F-16s against targets in Russia. The F-16s are reportedly based in Romania.
Germany: German Chancellor Scholz stated that Germany will play an important role in security guarantees for Ukraine but clarified that he will not send German soldiers "to this war," commenting on the possibility of participating in a hypothetical peacekeeping mission.
Georgia: The US has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, former prime minister, and Georgian billionaire.
Syria: The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the establishment of contact with the new Syrian government and expressed readiness to restore diplomatic relations, contingent on the new government's stance on Ukraine's territorial integrity. They also announced a humanitarian aid shipment of 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria.
Azerbaijan:
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 Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan commented on the plane crash near Aktau, stating that the preliminary cause was "external interference."
The head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, declared a day of mourning in the region on December 28 due to the crash of an Azerbaijani Embraer E190 aircraft. Kadyrov had previously instructed to help the families of the victims, but Azerbaijani authorities unofficially rejected the offer, according to Day.Az. Instead, they will seek an admission of guilt from Russia, an apology, and compensation. Kadyrov had also awarded his nephew, Khamzat Kadyrov, the Secretary of the Security Council of Chechnya, with a medal "For Services to the Chechen Republic." Khamzat Kadyrov had previously reported that all drones over the region had been shot down.
North Korea: North Korea will reportedly adopt the "toughest" strategy against the US for its security and national interests. Details are not provided, but it promises to develop relations with "friendly"
