Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - December 29, 2024, 19:56 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, marked by intense fighting, particularly in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Russian forces are making significant advances, notably around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. They are leveraging their advantage in drone warfare, with widespread use of FPV drones and reports of AI integration into Shahed 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. The presence of North Korean troops in the Kursk region adds another layer of complexity, with reports of significant losses and suicides among these troops. New reports indicate Russian forces are engaged in combat near the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant and are advancing in Chasiv Yar. Russian forces have reportedly liberated Novotroitske (DPR), repelling 11 Ukrainian counterattacks. Russian forces are advancing near Dzerzhinsk, with fighting ongoing in the center of the town.

Key Developments

Drone Warfare

• Extensive and increasingly sophisticated use of drones by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
• Russia is reportedly integrating AI into Shahed drones to enhance their target recognition capabilities, even when offline.
• Ukrainian forces are innovating with shotgun-mounted drones.
• FPV drones are being used extensively by both sides.
• Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, injuring eight civilians.
• Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators.
• New reports indicate a group of Russian Shahed drones are on the border of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, moving west. Another group of drones is in the north of Donetsk oblast, heading north.
• 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.
• Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
• Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs.
• 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.
• Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
• A Russian soldier detonated a grenade near his head after being attacked by a Ukrainian FPV drone in Kursk Oblast.
• A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
• Ukrainian forces report that a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone was destroyed by a night hunting group.
• In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, operators of the 375th OPTADN used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, causing damage to the market and injuring 8 civilians, 7 of them being hospitalized.
• Latvia plans to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and allocate 20 million euros for drone procurement in 2025.
• Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
• Video footage shows the destruction of a German Leopard 1 tank by Russian FPV drones "VT-40".
• Footage shows the destruction of a Ukrainian tank by an FPV drone.
• Footage shows an FPV drone shooting down another enemy UAV.
• Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.

Ground Operations

Donetsk Oblast

• Two civilians injured in Horlivka due to a Ukrainian attack.
• Fighting continues in the Dzerzhinsk area.
• 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.
  • Heavy fighting continues in the Kurakhove area.
  • Russian forces report fierce battles near Peschanoe and Volchye, with attempts to advance towards Chunishino and Myrolyubivka.
  • Ukrainian forces report heavy fighting in Lysovka, with Russian forces advancing to the center of the settlement.
  • Ukrainian forces report destroying a reserve of the so-called "Caucasian Legion" that was advancing on armored vehicles to reinforce Ukrainian units in Lysovka.
  • Ukrainian forces are attempting to prevent Russian advances near Peschanoe, Volchye, and Solyonoe at any cost, using all available means of destruction and reserves.
  • The situation is similar south of Kurakhove, near Novovasylivka and Novoelizavetivka, where a breakthrough by Russian forces threatens to reach the Dnipropetrovsk region and encircle Kurakhove from the west.
  • Russian forces are advancing in Kurakhove, taking control of several streets.
  • Russian forces liberated an additional 5 sq km, advancing south of Ukrainian positions in the industrial zone in the Kurakhove direction.
  • Russian forces successfully targeted a Ukrainian YPR-765 armored personnel carrier near the Kurakhovskaya TPP.
  • Russian forces have reportedly begun storming the territory of the Kurakhovskaya TPP, with reports of Russian troops firmly entrenched in the eastern part of the thermal power plant.
  • Continued fighting in Kurakhovo.
  • A Ukrainian drone operator filmed a Russian soldier shooting at Ukrainian positions near the 12th microdistrict of Kurakhove.
  • Russian assault groups are storming the Kurakhovskaya TPP, the last Ukrainian stronghold in Kurakhove.
• 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.
  • Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka during the assault on Yaseneve from the north and east.
• 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.
  • Russian forces captured Storozheve, forming a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka.
  • Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Makarivka.
  • Clashes are ongoing near multiple settlements.
  • Russian forces are advancing towards Velyka Novosilka.
  • A bridge over the Mokri Yaly river was destroyed.
  • Russian forces reportedly liberated Makarivka.
  • Russian forces are reportedly attacking Velyka Novosilka from both sides.
  • Occupation authorities in Huliaipole are concerned about the situation.
  • The situation in Velyka Novosilka remains extremely difficult.
  • Russian forces captured Novyi Komar and Novopustynka.
  • Russian forces liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne.
  • Over 800 meters gained by Russian forces towards Velyka Novosilka.
• 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.
  • 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.
• Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction:
  • Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka during the assault on Yaseneve from the north and east.
  • Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud.
  • Heavy fighting continues around several settlements, including Shevchenko, Pischane, and Novotroyitske, with Russian forces making incremental gains.
  • Reports of Russian forces striking a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
  • Reports of Russian forces attacking from the southwest in Pokrovsk, liberating Novyi Trud and engaging in fighting in Dachenske.
  • Reports of Russian forces advancing west on a broad front south of Pokrovsk, making progress near Novooleenovka and Novoyelizavetivka.
  • Reports of the Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk reaching the central part of Lysivka.
  • Reports of Russian forces advancing south towards Ukrainka, entering Pisky, and storming Novooleenovka while advancing towards Slavyanka.
  • Reports of Russian forces advancing near Pushkino, liberating Veselyi Gai, and actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk.
  • Reports of Russian forces solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
  • Reports of a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
  • Russian troops are advancing between the Solona and Volchya rivers, approaching the last Ukrainian defense line before the Dnipropetrovsk region.
  • Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed Russian military equipment during an attempted assault on Novoelizavetivka, south of Pokrovsk.
  • Russian forces control most of Novoelizavetovka.
  • Russian troops advancing near Novotroitske, which they reportedly already control.
  • Russian military blogger claims that taking Novotroitske created "excellent prerequisites for our current successes south of Krasnoarmeysk."
  • Ukrainian military unit reports that it repelled a Russian attack near Novotroitske, destroying one tank and one infantry fighting vehicle.
  • Russian military blogger claims that Russian forces control most of Novotroitske.
  • Ukrainian military blogger claims that Russian forces have taken control of Novotroitske.
  • Russian military blogger claims that Russian forces are advancing south of Krasnoarmeysk.

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.
• One Ukrainian soldier was reportedly killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
• Russian airborne troops have reportedly taken control of Cherkaska Konopelka in the Kursk region.
• Russian forces advanced in Volchansk and forded the Volchya River, preparing a bridgehead for a further offensive.

Other Regions

• Kursk Region: Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts. Reports of a military serviceman's suicide in the region. Russian airborne troops have reportedly taken full control of Cherkaska Konopelka, with assault troops establishing a flag in the center.
• 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.

Geopolitical Developments

• 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. North Korea announced a strategy of "toughest opposition to the US". Kim Jong-un promised to take a tough stance to protect the interests and security of North Korea. He is confident that the alliance of the US, Japan, and South Korea "has expanded into a nuclear military bloc for aggression."
• International Support: Continued US military aid and European support. 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. Germany's army is reportedly only 50% combat-ready.
• 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.
• Telegram Channel Blockage: Russia demands that international organizations properly assess the blocking of Russian media Telegram channels, according to Maria Zakharova.
• Slovakia: The Slovak Minister of Defense stated that Slovakia is interested in ending the war as soon as possible, but "reality shows" that Ukraine will have to give up part of its territories.
• Canada: Zelensky proposed to Trudeau that Canada increase funding for the production of Ukrainian weapons and consider the possibility of localizing the production of certain types of weapons. They also discussed key priorities for Canada's upcoming G7 presidency, including strengthening sanctions against Russia.
• Syria: At least five members of the new Syrian government were killed as a result of an Israeli airstrike.

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
  • Latvia plans to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and allocate 20 million euros for drone procurement in 2025.
  • Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
  • Russian forces reportedly control most of Novoelizavetovka.
  • Video footage shows the destruction of a German Leopard 1 tank by Russian FPV drones "VT-40".
  • Footage shows the destruction of a Ukrainian tank by an FPV drone.
  • Footage shows an FPV drone shooting down another enemy UAV.
  • Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
  • The video depicts a military helicopter being shot down, likely at night, in what is possibly the context of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
  • The video depicts successful artillery strikes against a Ukrainian tank, and shows the possibility of a larger armoured column in the general area near Andreevka and Dachnoe in the Donbas region.
  • The video documents the effective and repeated use of FPV drones or loitering munitions against armored vehicles across various terrains.
  • Russian forces advanced in Volchansk and forded the Volchya River, preparing a bridgehead for a further offensive.

• Geopolitical:

  • Slovak Minister of Defense suggests Ukraine may have to cede territory to end the war.
  • Zelensky proposes increased Canadian funding for Ukrainian arms production and localization of production.
  • Announcement of a new military ombudsman position in Ukraine, with the decree to be published tomorrow.
  • Zelensky announces that a decree will be published tomorrow appointing a commissioner for the protection of the rights of military personnel and their families.
  • Zelensky announces that important decisions from the US regarding military support for Ukraine are expected to be announced tomorrow.
  • Announcement of the creation of a military ombudsman institution in Ukraine, in response to a request from the military.
  • Zelensky announces the preparation of a decree on the appointment of an authorized representative of the President of Ukraine on the protection of the rights of military personnel and their families.
  • Zelensky announces that a corresponding bill on the military ombudsman will be agreed upon with the new commissioner, the human rights community, and the Ministry of Defense.
  • Zelensky announces that the Verkhovna Rada and the government will be asked to support the proposed innovations in a timely manner.
  • Zelensky announces that the work of the military ombudsman should start soon.
  • At least five members of the new Syrian government were killed as a result of an Israeli airstrike.
  • The video features Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivering a statement, seemingly from his official office. He announces that he will issue a decree for the appointment of an official for military ombudsman to address the needs of the military and their families.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains extremely tense, with Russian forces continuing their advance in the Donetsk region, especially in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Vremivka direction. Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove and have taken control of the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant. Ukrainian forces are transferring reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk). Russian forces also reportedly control most of Novoelizavetovka and have made gains near Novotroitske. Drone warfare remains a dominant aspect, with widespread activity across multiple regions and increasing use of AI by Russian forces. Ukrainian forces report shooting down a significant number of Russian drones, but Russian forces also report successes in targeting Ukrainian positions and equipment with drones, including a German Leopard 1 tank and another Ukrainian tank.

In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian forces liberated Lozovaya and are pressing Ukrainian forces in the Kupyansk direction. Fighting continues in the Kursk region, with reports of Ukrainian HIMARS strikes, allegations of atrocities, and significant losses among North Korean troops.

Geopolitically, tensions remain high, with the US continuing to support Ukraine and NATO increasing its presence in the Baltic Sea. Slovakia's suggestion that Ukraine may have to cede territory to end the war adds a new dimension to the conflict. Zelensky's proposal to increase Canadian funding for Ukrainian arms production highlights the ongoing need for international support. The announcement of a new military ombudsman position in Ukraine indicates a focus on improving the welfare of Ukrainian soldiers. Zelensky's announcement of the creation of a military ombudsman institution and the preparation of a decree on the appointment of an authorized representative for the protection of the rights of military personnel signals a significant development in Ukraine's approach to military governance and human rights. The upcoming announcement of US military support and the discussions with Canada on increased cooperation further underscore the importance of international alliances in the ongoing conflict. The reported Israeli airstrike killing at least five members of the new Syrian government adds another layer of complexity to the regional geopolitical landscape. Russian forces advanced in Volchansk (Kharkiv Oblast) and forded the Volchya River, preparing a bridgehead for a further offensive.

The situation is fluid and subject to rapid changes. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the conflict, particularly with the anticipated US aid announcement and the formal establishment of the military ombudsman in Ukraine.