Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 30, 2024, 12:47 UTC
Strategic Overview
The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Russian forces are making substantial advances, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. They are leveraging their advantage in drone warfare, with widespread use of FPV drones and confirmed 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 withdrawal is focused on the areas around Novooleksandrivka, Novoselivka Persha, and Sokil.
Russian forces have liberated Novotroitske (DPR), repelling 11 Ukrainian counterattacks. Fighting is ongoing in Chasiv Yar, with Russian forces controlling over half the city and having now taken control of the railway station. The loss of the railway station is a significant blow to Ukrainian forces and indicates a further deterioration of their position in the city. Russian artillery disrupted a Ukrainian rotation in the Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) direction.
Ukrainian forces have been withdrawn to the main defense line near the border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Russian forces have taken control of a garage cooperative in Kurakhove, advancing from the industrial zone. They are advancing in the western part of the city near the Kurakhove thermal power plant. The space controlled by Ukrainian forces in the city is shrinking. Ukrainian forces no longer control the territory of the Kurakhivska Thermal Power Plant. A Russian flag has been raised in Kurakhove over one of the high-rise buildings, indicating the Russian forces control the southern part of the city.
In the Kursk region, Russian forces have secured a foothold in Cherkaska Konopelka and made progress in the wooded areas of the Sudzhansky district. Ukrainian forces have been redeploying reinforcements to the area in an attempt to prevent further Russian advances. Video and photographic evidence confirm the liberation of Lozova by Russian forces, with the 27th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 1st Guards Tank Army raising the Russian flag in the center of the village.
A captured Russian soldier's account alleges that Ukrainian command is not providing adequate cover for its troops on the Pokrovsk direction. This could indicate morale issues or tactical deficiencies within the Ukrainian forces in this area.
Slovak Minister of Defense, Robert Kaliňák, stated that Ukraine might have to cede territory to Russia, emphasizing the need for immediate peace talks. This reflects a potentially shifting perspective among some European allies regarding the desired outcome of the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that Russia will not participate in the "peace summit" organized by Ukraine, also declaring that there are currently no preconditions for ending the conflict.
Ukrainian Air Force reports that overnight, Russian forces attacked with 43 drones, 21 of which were shot down and 22 missed their targets. Damage to private residences was reported in Kharkiv and Odesa oblasts due to falling debris.
Russian forces have improved positions in Novovasylivka and Novoelizavetovka. They also advanced in Vozdvyzhenka. Russian forces have captured Peschanoe and entered Shevchenko.
Ukrainian border guards from the "Revenge" brigade conducted precise strikes in the Luhansk region, destroying a tank, two cannons, an ammunition depot, and 15 vehicles.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Velyka Novosilka, destroying Russian equipment and capturing Russian soldiers.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Klishchiivka, destroying Russian equipment and personnel.
Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike operation in the Pokrovsk direction, targeting a Russian command post and destroying a Starlink station.
Ukrainian forces conducted a drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy three Russian field howitzers near Volchansk.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian communication tower and a supply depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Ukrainian forces used drones to target Russian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a German Leopard 1 tank.
Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to shoot down an enemy UAV.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones.
Ukrainian Air Force reports no threat of attack drones.
Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions.
Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
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 a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, causing damage to the market and injuring 8 civilians, 7 of them being hospitalized.
Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators.
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.
Overnight, Russian forces actively attempted to attack Tokmak, Energodar and Melitopol. Ukrainian air defense successfully shot down hostile objects.
Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.
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, thereby ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
Russian forces used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Russian forces used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian forces tracked the route of a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone and destroyed a supply drop.
Russian forces used drones to eliminate Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove 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 report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Operators of drones from the "Center" group reportedly eliminated a Ukrainian observation post in the Pokrovsk direction.
Operators of drones from the "Center" group continue to hunt for Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk direction.
Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
Operators of drones from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab" on the Kupyansk front.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
Latvia plans to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and allocate 20 million euros for drone procurement in 2025.
Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove 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.
A Russian soldier detonated a grenade near his head after being attacked by a Ukrainian FPV drone in Kursk Oblast.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used.
A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
Video evidence of drone attacks on Ukrainian forces personnel.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces dropping a flag on Russian positions near Robotyne.
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.
Video evidence shows a mobile, vehicle-mounted "Repellent-Patrul" anti-drone system.
Video evidence shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian military equipment and personnel near Novoelizavetivka.
Video evidence shows a masked individual setting fire to a shop.
Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video footage shows the destruction of a Starlink station by the "Southern Front" group.
Video footage shows the destruction of a German Leopard 1 tank by Russian FPV drones "VT-40".
Video footage shows the destruction of an enemy UAV control point by drone operators of the 36th Army.
Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone
Key Developments in the Last 6 Hours
- The Pentagon is reportedly "in the process of transferring" hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and rockets to Ukraine.
- The US also announced it would provide Ukraine with $15 billion, secured by future income from frozen Russian assets.
- Russian forces have reportedly taken control of Novoolenivka, Donetsk People's Republic.
- Russian forces claim they repelled a Ukrainian attack near Kamenskoe and destroyed a temporary deployment point of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with its contents, including two Ukrainian servicemen.
- Ukrainian forces report that a Russian soldier was captured in the Kursk region.
- Ukrainian forces report that a captured Russian soldier, Ivan Artemov, stated that North Korean troops are fighting on the Russian side in the Kursk region.
- Ukrainian forces report that the North Korean troops arrived around December 10-12 and are equipped with Russian weapons and equipment.
- Ukrainian forces report that the North Korean troops have their own evacuation teams and are not integrated with Russian units.
- Ukrainian forces report that the North Korean troops initially seemed confused about their purpose and location.
- Ukrainian forces report that the North Korean troops have suffered heavy casualties and are now primarily located in dugouts and trenches.
- Fighting continues in Belogorovka, with Ukrainian forces reportedly destroying a temporary deployment point of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and two Ukrainian servicemen.
- Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack in the Kremenskie forests.
- Ukrainian forces destroyed a temporary deployment point of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with its contents, including two Ukrainian servicemen.
- Russian forces have taken control of Novoolenivka, Donetsk People's Republic.
- Russian forces report repelling a Ukrainian attack near Kamenskoe and destroying a temporary deployment point with its contents, including two Ukrainian servicemen.
- Footage from the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Hartiya" shows drone operations targeting enemy infantry, mortar nests, and shelters of UAV operators.
- Russian forces report destroying another German Leopard 1A5 tank near Shevchenko, south of Krasnoarmeysk.
- Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces are shelling the area of Kupyansk with artillery and mortars, as well as using drones.
- Ukrainian forces report that the 37th Separate Marine Brigade repelled a "meat assault" by Russian forces in the Kurakhove direction.
- Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region, including Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, and Velyka Novosilka.
- 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted drone strike operation in Shevchenko.
- On December 25th, Russian sources claimed further advances towards Dimitrov and the liberation of Veselyi Gai.
- Using fog as cover, a group of Russian soldiers managed to approach Ukrainian positions. However, they were met with heavy fire from the infantry of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of the 28th OMBr. Soldiers of the 28th Mechanized Brigade, constantly changing positions and using all available weapons, destroyed some of the group. One Russian soldier managed to fall into a trench to his comrade, but was quickly smoked out with grenades and eventually eliminated. The rest of the assault group began to flee, hide, and pretend to be dead. However, each was hunted down by the pilots of the Unmanned Systems Battalion and "Kurt & Company." Only one Russian soldier was lucky, as he decided to surrender. The only problem was that he turned out to be a citizen of Egypt, so the infantry had to explain everything with gestures.
- Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
- Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week.
- Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
- An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
- Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny.
- On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, and Makiyivka.
- A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
- Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area of the Kursk Region.
- A Russian soldier was reported missing in action in the Kursk region on December 25th.
- Drone operators from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
- The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line of the Kursk Region.
- Explosions were reported in Kyiv-controlled Kherson.
- Russian forces are clearing Russkoye Porechnoye.
- Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
- The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoye, advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
- Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
- Calculations of the MLRS "Grad" group of troops "North" destroyed strongholds and infantry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
- Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones in Poltava in the direction of the city from the north. A new group of hostile strike UAVs are entering the airspace of Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
- Russian forces reportedly liberated Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kamyshovka.
- Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka, advancing up to 1200 meters near Nikolaevo-Daryino, Leonidovo, Russkaya Porechnaya, and Kurilovka.
- South of Kruhlenky, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka, clearing a forest belt and gaining 1.6 km. They are also advancing towards Leonidove.
- Video evidence suggests a Russian soldier was targeted and killed by Ukrainian forces using a thermal-scoped weapon, likely a drone-dropped munition, during a nighttime operation. The location and involved units are not specified.
- The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly liberated Elizavetovka.
- Video shows liberation of Elizavetovka, advancing towards Kurakhovo.
- An interview with a resident of Selidovo (Donetsk region) was shared, detailing alleged atrocities committed by Ukrainian forces, including shelling of civilian areas, looting, and disappearances of civilians. The interviewee claims that Ukrainian forces treated locals as "separatists" and "not people," and that they engaged in widespread looting and violence. This interview is likely part of a Russian propaganda effort to demonize Ukrainian forces and justify the ongoing conflict.
- Footage from the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Hartiya" shows drone operations targeting enemy infantry, mortar nests, and shelters of UAV operators.
- A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
- Ussuri paratroopers reportedly captured a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier and brought it back to the rear. The vehicle was captured almost undamaged. Despite being marked with a red cross, indicating it was used for medical purposes, it was reportedly used to transport infantry to the front line and rotate enemy personnel.
- Video shows a wounded Ukrainian soldier, nicknamed "Malyi" from the 47th Brigade "Magura," being supplied with a package containing a Ukrainian flag, warm water, warmers, and pills by Ukrainian pilots. The soldier was wounded after an enemy attack and was found by drone pilots from the 47th Brigade's Unmanned Systems Battalion. They requested a Bradley from the 3rd Mechanized Battalion for evacuation. The operation resulted in the death of the crew commander due to five enemy FPV attacks. The video highlights the importance of each life for Ukrainian forces.
- The head of the Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, stated that the new Syrian authorities do not want Russia to leave their country. He emphasized Russia's importance as the second most powerful state in the world and Syria's strategic interests with Russia. He also mentioned that all Syrian weapons have Russian origins and many power plants are operated by Russian experts.
- Israel's El Al airline has canceled all flights to Moscow until March 2025.
- Adviser to the President of Ukraine, Dmytro Lytvyn, stated that the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, to Syria is taking place on the instructions of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- President Zelensky is expecting a report on the visit and negotiations from Sybiha.
- A resident of Zaporizhzhia, a retired lieutenant colonel of the militia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for treason.
- The convicted man renewed old ties with a former classmate who is now an employee of the Russian Ministry of Defense and offered his help in the war against Ukraine.
- In September 2023, the convicted man received instructions from his curator to establish the location of Ukrainian defenders in the region and began collecting intelligence.
- The man drove around Zaporizhzhia and the suburbs to establish the locations of air defense positions, personnel, and equipment of the Defense Forces.
- He also informed the enemy about the location of production facilities of local defense industry enterprises.
- The convicted man transmitted the collected information to the enemy via messenger.
- The man will remain in custody until the verdict comes into force.
- The investigation was carried out by the SBU.
- Another missile of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was shot down in the border area of the Kursk region.
- Units of the "Center" group installed a flag in the liberated Novoolenivka.
- The commander of the battalion "Cedar" of the 80th Tank Regiment reported on the capture of Novoalyonovka in the Donetsk People's Republic.
- The US announced it will provide Ukraine with $15 billion, secured by future income from frozen Russian assets.
- The Pentagon is "in the process of transferring" hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and rockets to Ukraine.
- A Ukrainian drone reportedly attacked the "Druzhba" oil pipeline in the Bryansk region. The attack allegedly occurred at 4:30 AM local time and was carried out by a Ukrainian "Peklo" rocket-drone. The pipeline itself was reportedly not damaged, but a technical building on the territory was partially destroyed.
- Poland announced plans to build a road to the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region in 2025 for the rapid deployment of troops and security forces if necessary.
- Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces have repelled a Ukrainian attempt to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region. In the course of offensive operations, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one heavy mechanized brigade, five mechanized brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, two territorial defense brigades, and one assault battalion of the AFU near Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Five counter-attacks launched by AFU assault detachments were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kazachaya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Nikolsky, Rubanshchina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo as well as Basovka, Belovody, and Zhuravka in Sumy region. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 310 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, ten armored fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 45,530 troops, 262 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 142 armored personnel carriers, 1,359 armored fighting vehicles, 1,237 motor vehicles, 337 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 83 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defense radars, 28 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, seven armored recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralize the AFU units is in progress.
Ongoing Key Developments
Donetsk Oblast
- Kurakhove: Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city, with Ukrainian forces reportedly withdrawing. Intense fighting continues, with Russian forces making significant advances.
- Pokrovsk: Heavy fighting is reported, with Ukrainian forces transferring reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk). Russian forces are making incremental gains in the surrounding areas.
- Vremivka Direction: Russian forces have captured Storozheve and are advancing towards Velyka Novosilka, creating a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar and Novopustynka. Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Makarivka.
- Chasiv Yar: Fighting continues in the urban areas, with Ukrainian forces reportedly retaking some positions. Russian forces control over half of the city and have advanced to the railway station.
- Other: Russian forces have taken control of Novoolenivka.
Kharkiv Oblast
- Russian forces have liberated Lozovaya.
- Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction.
- Increased drone activity is reported.
Kursk Region
- Russian forces are pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts.
- Russian airborne troops have taken control of Cherkaska Konopelka.
- Reports of North Korean troops fighting on the Russian side, suffering heavy casualties.
- Ukrainian forces conducted a drone operation targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
- Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces have repelled a Ukrainian attempt to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region. In the course of offensive operations, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one heavy mechanized brigade, five mechanized brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, two territorial defense brigades, and one assault battalion of the AFU near Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Five counter-attacks launched by AFU assault detachments were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kazachaya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Nikolsky, Rubanshchina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo as well as Basovka, Belovody, and Zhuravka in Sumy region. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 310 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, ten armored fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 45,530 troops, 262 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 142 armored personnel carriers, 1,359 armored fighting vehicles, 1,237 motor vehicles, 337 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 83 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defense radars, 28 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, seven armored recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralize the AFU units is in progress.
Drone Warfare
- Extensive use of drones by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
- Reports of AI integration into Russian Shahed drones.
- Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in drone supplies in 2024.
- Latvia plans to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024.
Other Regions
- Sumy Region: Ukrainian forces report a successful ambush on Russian forces.
- Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian communication tower and a supply depot.
International Support
- Continued US military aid, with a new announcement of $15 billion secured by future income from frozen Russian assets.
- The Pentagon is transferring hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and rockets to Ukraine.
- Divisions within the EU may arise due to Slovakia's stance on the conflict.
- Poland plans to build a road to the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region for rapid troop deployment.
Information Warfare
- Both sides are actively engaged in information warfare, with propaganda and disinformation campaigns.
- Reports of Russian attempts to recruit individuals for sabotage through Telegram channels.
New Developments Since Earlier Reports
- Ukrainian forces report that a Russian soldier was captured in the Kursk region.
- Ukrainian forces report that a captured Russian soldier, Ivan Artemov, stated that North Korean troops are fighting on the Russian side in the Kursk region.
- Ukrainian forces report that the North Korean troops arrived around December 10-12 and are equipped with Russian weapons and equipment.
- Ukrainian forces report that the North Korean troops have their own evacuation teams and are not integrated with Russian units.
- Ukrainian forces report that the North Korean troops initially seemed confused about their purpose and location.
- Ukrainian forces report that the North Korean troops have suffered heavy casualties and are now primarily located in dugouts and trenches.
- Footage from the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Hartiya" shows drone operations targeting enemy infantry, mortar nests, and shelters of UAV operators.
- Russian forces report destroying another German Leopard 1A5 tank near Shevchenko, south of Krasnoarmeysk.
- Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces are shelling the area of Kupyansk with artillery and mortars, as well as using drones.
- Ukrainian forces report that the 37th Separate Marine Brigade repelled a "meat assault" by Russian forces in the Kurakhove direction.
- Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region, including Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, and Velyka Novosilka.
- 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted drone strike operation in Shevchenko.
- On December 25th, Russian sources claimed further advances towards Dimitrov and the liberation of Veselyi Gai.
- Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
- Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week.
- Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
- An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
- Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny.
- On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, and Makiyivka.
- A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
- Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area of the Kursk Region.
- A Russian soldier was reported missing in action in the Kursk region on December 25th.
- Drone operators from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
- The "Sever" group of forces
