Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - December 29, 2024, 16:58 UTC
Executive Summary
The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Russian forces are making significant advances, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. They are leveraging their advantage in drone warfare, with reports of AI integration into Shahed drones and widespread use of FPV drones. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal towards the Dnipro River, employing counter-drone measures and inflicting losses on Russian troops and equipment. Escalating tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia follow the downing of an Azerbaijani airliner, adding a new dimension to the conflict, although recent developments suggest a de-escalation. The confirmed presence of North Korean troops in the Kursk region further complicates the situation, with reports of significant losses and suicides among these troops. Ukrainian forces attempted a counterattack near Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk), but it was unsuccessful. New reports indicate Russian forces are engaged in combat near the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant and are advancing in Chasiv Yar.
Key Developments
Strategic Overview
Intensified Fighting in Donetsk and Kharkiv: Russian forces are achieving breakthroughs, notably near Kurakhove and Pokrovsk, capturing key settlements and encircling Ukrainian forces in some areas. Ukrainian forces face severe shortages of troops, ammunition, and supplies. Russian forces are advancing in Chasiv Yar and have taken control of the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant.
Drone Warfare Escalation: Extensive and increasingly sophisticated use of drones by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Russia is reportedly integrating AI into Shahed drones, while Ukrainian forces are innovating with shotgun-mounted drones. FPV drones are being used extensively by both sides.
Azerbaijan-Russia Tensions: The downing of an Azerbaijani airliner near Grozny initially escalated tensions, with Azerbaijan demanding accountability. However, recent communications between Putin and Aliyev suggest a de-escalation, with Azerbaijan softening its stance. There are reports of Azerbaijan limiting the stay of Russian citizens to 90 days per year starting January 1, 2025. Azerbaijan has also demanded that Russia admit guilt and pay compensation for the downing of the airliner.
North Korean Involvement: The presence of North Korean troops in the Kursk region adds complexity and raises concerns about potential escalation. Reports indicate significant losses and suicides among these troops.
International Support: Continued US military aid and European support, including Poland offering to compensate for potential energy supply disruptions from Slovakia. However, divisions within the EU may arise due to Slovakia's threat to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv halts Russian gas transit.
Ukrainian Counterattacks: Ukrainian forces report successful counterattacks near Bakhmut and Siversk, destroying Russian equipment and inflicting heavy losses. However, a new report indicates an unsuccessful Ukrainian counterattack near Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk).
Information Warfare: Both sides are actively engaged in information warfare, with propaganda and disinformation campaigns. The situation is further complicated by reports of Russian attempts to recruit individuals for sabotage through Telegram channels.
Fighting near Kurakhove TPP: Russian forces are reportedly engaged in combat near the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant and have taken control of it.
Airborne Troops Advance: Russian airborne troops have reportedly taken control of Cherkaska Konopelka in the Kursk region.
Drone Warfare
Mykolaiv Region:
Ukrainian air defense systems engaged multiple Russian drones, shooting down nine Shahed-131/136 drones overnight.
Debris from downed drones caused fires and damage in Mykolaiv and Ochakiv.
Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, injuring eight civilians.
Extensive drone activity reported, with multiple drones observed in various areas, including Ochakiv, Mykolaiv, Halytsynove, Kosa, Velyka Korenykha, Nechaiane, and Kobleve.
Explosions were heard in Mykolaiv.
Odesa Oblast is also under threat of enemy drone attacks.
Chernihiv Region:
Drone movement detected in Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions.
Reports of drones near Nizhyn and Pryluky.
Ukrainian Air Force reports drone movements in Chernihiv Oblast to the west and towards Kyiv Oblast.
New groups of drones were entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
Voronezh Region:
Over 10 drones detected and destroyed, with debris causing damage to railway infrastructure.
Belgorod Region:
Multiple Ukrainian drone attacks reported, resulting in injuries to civilians and damage to infrastructure, including power lines, an administrative building, a school, and an agricultural enterprise.
Several villages without electricity after Ukrainian drone attacks.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones.
Rostov Oblast:
17 Ukrainian drones destroyed and suppressed overnight, with 4 more destroyed during the night.
A UAV attack on Salsk damaged a locomotive depot.
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.
Numerous reports of Russian and Ukrainian forces using FPV drones to target positions, equipment, and personnel in the Kurakhove direction.
Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv. Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions.
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.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires. This indicates a coordinated attack, potentially as part of a larger offensive operation to degrade Russian defenses and disrupt their logistics.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Вовки Да Вінчі" unit, are using drones to target Russian military equipment and personnel in the Pokrovsk direction.
Ukrainian drone operators targeted and killed a Russian soldier in the Pokrovsk direction.
Kursk Region:
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Reports indicate significant losses among North Korean soldiers in the Russian army, with 1,000 casualties in the past week alone. Ukrainian forces report that North Korean soldiers have been rotated out of the region and replaced with Russian soldiers.
Kharkiv Region:
Increased drone activity reported, with movements towards Balakliia.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian Air Force reports drone movements towards Poltava Oblast.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
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.
Video evidence shows a Ukrainian soldier attempting to shoot down a drone with an automatic rifle.
Ukrainian forces report that a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone was destroyed by a night hunting group.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
198 drones of various modifications attacked multiple settlements.
Ukrainian forces used drones to target and destroy Russian military personnel and equipment in the region.
In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, operators of the 375th OPTADN used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot.
Other Regions:
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 20 out of 31 drones launched by Russia overnight.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region.
Air raid alerts issued for multiple regions.
Ukrainian forces report their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
13 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight by air defense systems over Russian territory.
Ukrainian UAVs neutralized in the Suvorovsky district of Tula Oblast.
Several groups of attack drones detected south of Kyiv, suggesting a potential imminent drone attack on the capital or surrounding areas.
New reports of drone movements in Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Zhytomyr Oblasts.
Air raid alerts issued for Kyiv and several other Oblasts due to the threat of attack drones.
Extensive drone warfare continues across the region, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
A Russian drone operator claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
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.
Russian forces tracked the route of a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone, identified the location of a Ukrainian strongpoint, and destroyed a supply drop intended for the Ukrainian forces.
Air raid alerts issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Vinnitsa, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi.
Overnight, Russian forces actively attempted to attack Tokmak, Energodar and Melitopol. Ukrainian air defense successfully shot down hostile objects.
Warning regarding drone activity in Krasnodar Krai.
Air raid alerts issued for Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv Oblasts due to the threat of drone attacks.
Ukrainian Air Force reports no threat of attack drones.
A Ukrainian source reports that a drone struck a ship in Crimea that was seized by Russia in 2014. The ship, "Fedir Uryupin," belonged to the Ukrainian company "Chornomornaftogaz" and was seized during the occupation of Crimea. The drone hit the ship above the waterline, causing damage but not sinking it.
The Ukrainian Air Force announced the end of the threat of enemy drones.
Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. A video message from the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) claims that Ukrainian drones can hit targets up to 2000 km away.
Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, reported that Russia is integrating AI into Shahed drones to enhance their target recognition capabilities, even when offline.
Reports of widespread drone activity across multiple regions, including new drone threats in Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnitsa, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Vasylkiv, Brovary, Sumy, Kharkiv, Lubny, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Chuhuiv, Pavlohrad, Zlatopil, and Merefa.
Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones approaching Zhytomyr and Ozerne from the northeast.
Increased drone activity in Kharkiv and Poltava regions, with drones moving west/southwest. New drones entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones:
New drones entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk, moving southwest.
Drones in eastern and western Poltava Oblast, moving west.
Drones in northeastern Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
Drones are reported in the center of Poltava Oblast, moving northwest, and on the west of Sumy Oblast, moving southwest. A drone is reported on the northeast of Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Two drones west of Poltava, moving northwest. Five drones near Konotop, moving southwest.
City of Pryluky (Chernihiv Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast.
The Air Force reports the movement of enemy drones:
Drones in the west of Poltava region, course - west / southwest;
Drones in the north of Sumy region, course - south-west;
Drones in the center of Chernihiv region, course - south / south-west;
Drones in the east of Kyiv region, course - west / north-west;
Drones on the border of Kirovohrad and Odesa regions, course - west.
Enemy drone is moving in the direction of Cherkasy from the southeast.
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 Yantarne.
Fighting reported near the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant.
Russian forces have taken control of the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant.
Pokrovsk:
Heavy fighting reported.
Ukrainian forces transferring reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Russian forces reportedly liquidated a Ukrainian mining engineer placing mines.
Reports of an ambush on a Russian DRG by the 32nd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
Russian advances reported, with Ukrainian forces showing a map indicating the scale of the breakthrough.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Вовки Да Вінчі" unit, are using drones to target Russian military equipment and personnel.
Ukrainian forces attempted a counterattack near Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk), but it was unsuccessful.
Vremivka Direction:
Russian forces have reportedly cut off the last paved road supplying the Ukrainian garrison in Velyka Novosilka.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly withdrawing towards the main defense line near the Dnipro River.
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.
Russian forces have advanced to the railway station in the northern part of Chasiv Yar.
Russian forces are advancing in Chasiv Yar, with reports of them retaking positions at the fire-resistant compound.
Active fighting is taking place near the bus station in Chasiv Yar, with Russian forces attempting to gain more advantageous positions.
Kharkiv Oblast
Russian forces liberated Lozovaya.
Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian airborne troops have reportedly taken control of Cherkaska Konopelka in the Kursk region.
Other Regions
Kursk Region: Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts. Reports of a military serviceman's suicide in the region.
Sumy Region: Ukrainian forces report a successful ambush on Russian forces, using intelligence gathered through internet surveillance and a humanitarian aid ruse. The attack reportedly involved HIMARS and resulted in significant casualties.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Operators of the 375th OPTADN used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot.
Changes Brought by New Messages
Military:
Confirmed reports of Russian forces controlling approximately 80% of Kurakhove.
Ukrainian forces are transferring reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian stronghold and a mortar position in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report evacuating civilians from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk).
Russian electronic warfare systems reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week.
Seven members of the 101st Brigade reportedly surrendered near Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk).
Intense fighting continues in the southern part of the Donetsk direction, with heavy artillery battles reported near Pokrovsk.
Fighting is escalating in the direction of Myrnohrad.
Russian forces report liberating Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and Gigant in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report advancing on Yantarnoye in the Kurakhove direction.
A bridge over the Volchya River was reportedly destroyed in the Kurakhove direction.
Clashes are reported near multiple settlements in the Kurakhove direction, with airstrikes and guided air bombs used against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
Russian forces report occupying a forest belt south of Zelenivka in the Kurakhove direction.
High-intensity battles are reported near several settlements in the Kurakhove direction, with drone and sniper activity.
Positional fighting is reported in the Kurakhove-Dalnee area.
A night raid by the "Mad Dogs" brigade was detected by aerial reconnaissance in the Pokrovsk direction.
A communications repeater was reportedly destroyed in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report advancing towards Yantarne in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report liberating Lozovaya in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces report repelling a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
One Ukrainian soldier was reportedly killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
A Ukrainian drone reportedly hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
Explosive strikes were reported in the region.
Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army reportedly detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.
In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, operators of the 375th OPTADN reportedly used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot.
Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces reportedly eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove direction.
Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, reportedly spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
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.
Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army reportedly discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater, thereby ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion reportedly remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade reportedly destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones approaching Zhytomyr and Ozerne from the northeast.
Increased drone activity in Kharkiv and Poltava regions, with drones moving west/southwest. New drones entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones.
Reports of drone movements in various regions, including Chernihiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, and Kirovohrad.
Reports of drone movements in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv Oblasts.
Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade reportedly 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.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, reportedly used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Russian forces report that 10 Ukrainian drones were destroyed during a morning attack.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
Ukrainian forces reportedly used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
Ukrainian forces reportedly used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
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.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian operators reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian operators reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion reportedly remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, reportedly spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion reportedly remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, reportedly spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion reportedly remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, reportedly spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian operators reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion reportedly remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, reportedly spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, reportedly used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Operators of drones from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit reportedly destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab" on the Kupyansk front.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
Russian forces, specifically the 16th Special Forces Brigade, reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian mortar with an FPV drone.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires. This indicates a coordinated attack, potentially as part of a larger offensive operation to degrade Russian defenses and disrupt their logistics.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Вовки Да Вінчі" unit, are using drones to target Russian military equipment and personnel in the Pokrovsk direction. The video shows multiple successful strikes, indicating effective use of drones for reconnaissance and targeting.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying 6 Russian soldiers in the Kursk border area.
Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the 214th Special Battalion OPFOR, have been reformatted into an assault battalion.
Ukrainian forces are continuing to transfer reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Ronin drones from the 65th Mechanized Brigade are shown targeting Russian logistics.
Russian forces report that operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
Video evidence shows a Ukrainian soldier attempting to shoot down a drone with an automatic rifle. This highlights the use of small arms against drones, although the effectiveness of this method is questionable.
Ukrainian forces report that the 214th Special Battalion OPFOR has been reformatted into an assault battalion. This indicates a shift in the unit's role and capabilities, potentially increasing its offensive potential. The 214th Battalion is reportedly receiving priority in terms of equipment and personnel, similar to the 225th and 425th Assault Battalions.
Ukrainian forces are continuing to transfer reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which was trained and equipped by France. These forces were intended for the anticipated winter offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, due to the rapidly evolving situation south of Krasnoarmiisk, the Ukrainian command has been forced to deploy these reserves, which had been accumulated for offensive operations.
Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Ronin drones from the 65th Mechanized Brigade are shown targeting Russian logistics.
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.
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 are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region
