Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - December 30, 2024, 18:17 UTC
Strategic Overview
Russian forces maintain offensive operations primarily in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, with notable advances near Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. They leverage their advantage in drone warfare and have seized control of the railway station in Chasiv Yar and the Kurakhivska Thermal Power Plant. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal towards the Dnipro River in some areas, employing counter-drone measures and inflicting losses on Russian troops and equipment.
A significant prisoner exchange occurred, with 189 Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians returned home, including defenders of Azovstal, Mariupol, Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Zmiinyi Island, and those fighting on multiple fronts. The exchange was confirmed by Ukrainian President Zelensky and facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. Russian sources report 150 soldiers were returned in the exchange.
Key Developments in the Last 6 Hours
Drone Warfare:
Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Video evidence shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian Buk missile system.
A Ukrainian drone attack targeted a hospital in Aleshki (Kherson Oblast), resulting in casualties.
Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones.
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, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
A video released by the "Archangel of the Special Forces" unit shows a fake drone allegedly used to shoot down Russian Geran drones. The video also shows what it claims to be the downing of Russian drones over the Mykolaiv region.
Drone operators from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab" on the Kupyansk front.
A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used.
Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
Russian forces tracked the route of a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone and destroyed a supply drop.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
A new group of drones from Sumy Oblast is moving towards Poltava Oblast.
Several Shahed drones detected moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske and Pivdenne.
A group of Shahed drones is moving north in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Several Shahed drones are in the center, north, south, and east of Kharkiv Oblast, moving northwest.
Drone operators from the "Center" group reportedly eliminated a Ukrainian observation post in the Pokrovsk direction.
Drone operators from the "Center" group continue to hunt for Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk direction.
Drone operators from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
FPV of the Third Assault Brigade destroys enemy weapons, shelters, and warehouses in the Kharkiv direction.
Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
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 Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
The Air Force reports the movement of enemy drones.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of drones in Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava Oblast, in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to the south-west and west, in Chernihiv Oblast to the west, and new groups in the east of Kharkiv Oblast to the west.
Russian drone operator claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Over 10 drones were reportedly detected and destroyed in the suburbs of Voronezh and several districts of the region.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Residents of Nizhyn (Chernihiv region) are advised to take shelter due to the threat of an enemy drone.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Video evidence likely shows a drone recording of a military engagement in the Kurakhove direction where soldiers from the 68th tank regiment are shown to have successfully advanced, taking an enemy position and surprising reinforcements.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. The footage depicts a rapid advance by the Russian battalion and confirms that at least two of the enemy combatants were incapacitated.
Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine.
Ukrainian forces, specifically pilots and infantrymen of the 5th Rifle Battalion of the 28th OMBr, used drones to force five Russian soldiers to surrender near Toretsk.
A video shows the results of an attack on Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area by the 414th Separate Brigade "Birds of Magyar," including the destruction of a motorcycle with Russian military personnel on it.
The "Baltic Group" of the 59th Motorized Brigade used drones to target and destroy a Russian BMP, 5 soldiers, a motorcycle, and a pickup truck.
425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted drone strike operation in Shevchenko.
Drone operators from the Ivanovo Airborne Forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank near Chasiv Yar.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
Video shows a drone strike on a convoy of vehicles. The vehicles appear to be civilian models, possibly indicating their use in a military or paramilitary capacity due to the context. The use of civilian vehicles could be a tactic to blend in with civilian traffic or to overcome shortages of military vehicles. The presence of smoke from one of the vehicles suggests it has been hit and is either on fire or severely damaged. The drone footage suggests the convoy was under surveillance and then targeted. This indicates a capability for precision strikes, which is common in modern warfare where drones are used for both reconnaissance and attack. The attack on the convoy is likely to disrupt the movement of troops or supplies. The success of such strikes can degrade the enemy's logistical capabilities and morale. The use of drones to both monitor and strike targets is a cost-effective way to engage enemy forces, reducing the risk to manned aircraft and ground troops. The video may also be used for propaganda purposes, to demonstrate the effectiveness of drone warfare and to showcase military successes.
Video 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.
Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a forest plantation, ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
A Russian propaganda video depicts the Russian air defense shooting down Santa Claus over the Kremlin.
Ukrainian forces report that one Russian warship is present in the Black Sea, but it is not equipped with "Kalibr" missiles. No Russian warships were detected in the Azov Sea.
Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down a Ukrainian missile over Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian air defense systems are actively engaging Russian drones, with reports of "first drones shot down" in the Mykolaiv region.
Three drones are confirmed to be moving through Kutsurub in a northerly direction.
One drone is reported near the Korabelnyi district of Mykolaiv, with potential for loud noise.
One drone is reported in the Halytsynove area.
Two drones are circling near the Kosa area.
One drone is flying from Velyka Korenykha towards the Zavodskyi/Centralnyi district of Mykolaiv, with active engagement reported.
An enemy drone is confirmed to be heading towards Mykolaiv from the south.
Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
Reports indicate drones approaching from Tendra towards Odesa/Pivdenne, with an estimated arrival time of 10-15 minutes. The number of drones is being clarified.
Mykolaiv Oblast is under threat of enemy drone attacks.
Air raid alerts have been issued in Mykolaiv Oblast due to the threat of "Shahed" drones.
Enemy drones are moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske/Pivdenne (Odesa Oblast).
Drones are reported in Mykolaiv Oblast, approaching from the south.
Two drones are reported near Kobleve, and two more are moving from the Tendra Spit towards Ochakiv.
Enemy drones are reportedly heading towards Mykolaiv Oblast from the south, with a call for residents of Ochakiv to take shelter.
Odesa Oblast is under threat of enemy drone attacks.
Air raid alerts issued for multiple regions.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
One drone from the Odesa region is flying towards the Vinnytsia region. One drone is approaching Rozdilna. One drone is flying towards Odesa. The northern direction is being clarified.
One drone is flying from the Mykolaiv region towards the Odesa region, to the north of the region.
A video shows the moment of the announcement of the preventive measure for the arrested Ukrainian commander.
An advertisement for a war-themed game featuring drones and other modern military equipment was shown.
"Phoenix" unit of the "Revenge" brigade repelled an assault by occupiers near Kurdyumivka in the Bakhmut area.
Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used in the zone of special military operation.
Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.
The "ACHILLES" drone unit, originally a company-sized element of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade, has expanded to a battalion and is reportedly hitting over 2000 targets per month.
Russian forces are reportedly using "Upyr" kamikaze drones to target Ukrainian equipment, strongholds, and personnel.
Russian forces are reportedly using "Tatsinsky Raider" drones in their operations.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Drone operators of the 46th brigade targeted Russian soldiers in Kurakhove.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria.
As a result of skillful actions, the crew of the Osa-AKM SAM system locked on the target and destroyed it over the frontline positions of the Dnepr Group of Forces.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
A video released by the "Archangel of the Special Forces" unit shows a fake drone allegedly used to shoot down Russian Geran drones. The video also shows what it claims to be the downing of Russian drones over the Mykolaiv region.
A video was released by Mobilizatsiya I Novosti I Srochniki showing a disabled veteran discussing the challenges he faces in obtaining social support.
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.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
Military Situation in the Kursk Region: Russian forces are making advances in the Sudzha area, particularly near Makhnovka. There are reports of increased drone activity and an air alert in the region. Russian airborne troops are maintaining control of the skies over the Kursk region. A video was released showing Russian military operations in the region, targeting Ukrainian positions. Russian forces are pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region. Video shows drone footage of Russian FPV drones targeting Ukrainian equipment near the border. Russian forces report that they have entered Makhnovka. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that conscripts from the autumn draft were not sent to the special operation zone or to units in the DPR, LPR, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Reports of the detention of the head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region for embezzling over 173 million rubles. Reports of a military serviceman's suicide in the Kursk region. Reports of over 3,000 wounded and killed North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. Reports of Ukrainian defenders repelling 46 enemy attacks in the Kursk region, with 374 artillery strikes. Reports of a captured Russian soldier discussing his interactions with North Korean troops in the Kursk region. Reports of a drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory in the Kursk region. Reports of Ukrainian troop and tank losses in the Kursk region. Reports of significant AFU losses since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region. Reports of an advance south of Kruhlenke towards Viktorivka and the clearing of a forest belt. Reports of attacks on Leonidovo from the west. Reports of Ukrainian drone strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border. Reports of Russian troops defeating formations of 5 mechanized, 3 airborne assault brigades, a marine brigade, and 4 territorial defense brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near several settlements in the Kursk region. Reports of Russian forces experiencing significant issues in the Sverdlikivka area of the Kursk region due to depleted combat potential and logistics issues. Reports of Russian forces using remote mining to prevent Ukrainian advances towards Sverdlikove. Reports of Ukrainian forces transferring up to 1,000 personnel from rear units in the Odesa region to the occupied territories of the Kursk region. Reports of Russian forces using remote mining to prevent Ukrainian advances towards Sverdlikove. Reports of Ukrainian forces transferring up to 1,000 personnel from rear units in the Odesa region to the occupied territories of the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces report that North Korean soldiers have been rotated out of the Kursk region and replaced with Russian soldiers. Ukrainian President Zelensky, in a video message, stated that North Korean soldiers are involved in the fighting in the Kursk region and are suffering heavy losses. Reports of Russian forces using remote mining to prevent Ukrainian advances towards Sverdlikove. Reports of Ukrainian forces transferring up to 1,000 personnel from rear units in the Odesa region to the occupied territories of the Kursk region.
Alleged Execution of General in Syria: Reports indicate that General Talal Makhlouf of the Syrian Republican Guard was executed after voluntarily surrendering his weapon. This event has sparked controversy and highlights the volatile situation in Syria.
Prisoner Exchange: A prisoner exchange took place, with Russia claiming an exchange of 150 for 150, while Ukraine reported 189 returned. Videos and images of the exchange were shared, showing emotional reunions and the presence of Ukrainian flags. Ukrainian servicemen who were captured in Mariupol, Chernobyl, Zmiinyi Island, and Azovstal were released. Ukrainian authorities announced that all released POWs would undergo medical examinations, psychological assistance, rehabilitation, and reintegration. A Ukrainian POW was shown reciting a poem after returning from captivity.
US Aid Package: The US announced a final aid package for Ukraine, totaling $15 billion in credit secured by frozen Russian assets. An additional $2.5 billion was also provided, along with hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and rockets. Future aid packages will need to be negotiated with the potential Trump administration. The Pentagon is in the process of transferring "hundreds of thousands" of artillery shells and rockets to Ukraine. President Biden has directed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine, with another package expected to be announced soon, reportedly worth $1.25 billion.
New Ukrainian Military Ombudsman: President Zelensky appointed Olga Reshetilova as the new military ombudsman, responsible for protecting the rights of servicemen and their families.
Gas Transportation Tariffs: Tariffs for gas transportation may increase fourfold for domestic consumers in Ukraine due to the cessation of Russian gas transit.
Court Proceedings in Ukraine: The commander of the 211th Pontoon-Bridge Brigade was arrested, with bail set at 12 million UAH.
Military Aid from the US: The US will provide Ukraine with an additional $3.4 billion in budgetary aid.
Social Media: Elon Musk criticized the allocation of $2.5 billion to Ukraine, calling Zelensky the "champion of all time" for orchestrating "one of the greatest heists" of the US.
Casualties in Donetsk Direction: Ukrainian forces reportedly eliminated over 160 Russian troops in the Donetsk direction in December. The Ukrainian General Staff reports that over the past day, there were 186 combat clashes. The enemy launched 7 airstrikes, dropping 9 guided aerial bombs, carried out over 5,000 shelling attacks, including 188 from multiple launch rocket systems, and used about 2,400 kamikaze drones. Over the past day, the losses of the Russian army amounted to 2,010 personnel, 7 tanks, 22 armored combat vehicles, 44 artillery systems, 31 operational-tactical UAVs, and 141 vehicles.
North Korean Soldier Incident: A North Korean soldier allegedly shot three Russian soldiers in the Kursk region during a retreat.
New Legislation in Ukraine: President Zelensky signed a law eliminating Medical and Social Expert Commissions (MSECs), to be replaced by expert commissions in hospitals.
Infrastructure in Poland: Poland plans to build a road to the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region for rapid troop deployment.
Air Defense Activity near Belgorod: Russian air defense systems are actively engaging aerial targets near Belgorod.
Propaganda Video: An interview with a resident of Selidovo (Donetsk region) was shared, detailing alleged atrocities committed by Ukrainian forces. This is likely part of a Russian propaganda effort.
POW Video: A video was shared by a Ukrainian source allegedly showing a captured Russian soldier from the 83rd Airborne Assault Brigade.
Advances near Kurakhovskoe Reservoir: Russian forces are reportedly advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko.
Arrest of Ukrainian Commander: The commander of the 211th Pontoon-Bridge Brigade has been arrested and held in custody, with bail set at 12 million UAH.
US Aid Package Details: The $1.25 billion aid package from the US includes munitions for anti-drone systems, air defense, HIMARS, 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, air-to-ground munitions, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, TOW missiles, fragmentation grenades, demolition equipment, communications, training, software, clothing, spare parts, and other equipment.
Analysis of Prisoner Exchange Video: A video of a prisoner exchange on the border of Belarus was analyzed, showing a woman in a blue vest thanking soldiers for their service.
Coordination Staff Video: A video from the Coordination Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War showed the return of 187 Ukrainian servicemen and 2 civilians.
Sudzha-Makhnovka Area Analysis: An image and text analysis indicated active fighting in the Sudzha area, with Russian forces advancing up to 3 km towards the town from the south.
Russian Military Statement on Prisoner Exchange: The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the return of 150 Russian servicemen, who are now in Belarus receiving assistance.
Coordination Staff Video on Prisoner Exchange: Another video from the Coordination Staff showed the emotional return of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Elon Musk's Criticism of Zelensky: Elon Musk criticized Zelensky for allegedly orchestrating a heist of US funds.
Coordination Staff Video on Ukrainian Patriotism: A video showed a Ukrainian man expressing his love for Ukraine.
Award Ceremony in Russia: An image showed an award ceremony in Russia, likely related to military service.
Gift Giving Event in Russia: An image showed a gift-giving event, possibly related to a youth organization.
Meeting at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: A video showed a meeting at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, with Russian and IAEA flags present.
Appointment of Ukrainian Official: President Zelensky appointed Olga Reshetilova as an authorized representative for the protection of the rights of servicemen.
Courtroom Proceedings in Ukraine: Images and a video showed courtroom proceedings, likely related to the conflict.
Air Raid Alert in Zaporizhzhia: An air raid alert was announced for the Zaporizhzhia region.
Threat of Ballistic Weapons: The Ukrainian Air Force reported a threat of ballistic weapons from the east.
Map Analysis of Sudzha Area: A map analysis indicated military activity in the Sudzha area.
Comments on Appointment of Ukrainian Official: Positive comments were made about the appointment of Olga Reshetilova.
Russian Military Operations near Pokrovsk: A video showed Russian military operations near Pokrovsk.
Destruction of Russian Buk Missile System: A video showed the destruction of a Russian Buk missile system by Ukrainian forces.
Court Proceedings for Ukrainian Brigade Commander: The Pechersk Court in Kyiv arrested the commander of the 211th Pontoon-Bridge Brigade.
Exchange of Prisoners of War: An exchange of prisoners of war took place, with 150 exchanged on each side.
Criticism of Ukrainian Military Aid: Elon Musk criticized the allocation of $2.5 billion in aid to Ukraine.
Video Analysis of Ukrainian POWs: A video of Ukrainian POWs returning home was analyzed, highlighting their emotional state and the presence of Ukrainian flags.
Announcement of US Budgetary Aid: The US committed to providing an additional $3.4 billion in budgetary aid to Ukraine.
Analysis of Meeting Image: An image of a meeting, likely between President Zelensky and an advisor, was analyzed, suggesting strategic discussions.
Announcement of Prisoner Exchange: 189 Ukrainian defenders were reported to be returning from Russian captivity.
Analysis of Ukrainian POWs on Bus: Images of Ukrainian POWs on a bus were analyzed, highlighting their emotional state and the presence of Ukrainian flags.
Analysis of Ukrainian POW Holding Flag: An image of a Ukrainian POW holding a flag was analyzed, highlighting his emotional state and connection to Ukraine.
Analysis of Ukrainian POWs on Bus: Another image of Ukrainian POWs on a bus was analyzed, highlighting their mixed attire and expressions.
Announcement of Appointment: Olga Reshetilova was appointed as the authorized representative of the President of Ukraine on the protection of the rights of servicemen.
Announcement of Appointment: Olga Reshetilova was appointed as the military ombudsman.
Criticism of Failed Prediction: Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon's prediction of an end to the conflict on December 30 was criticized.
Announcement of Appointment: Olga Reshetilova was appointed as the authorized representative of the President of Ukraine on the protection of the rights of servicemen.
Air Raid Alerts: Aviation missile bomb danger was announced in several regions of Russia.
Report of Russian Advances near Sudzha: Russian forces reportedly liberated the settlement of Agronom and entered Makhnovka.
Announcement of Arrest: The commander of the 211th Pontoon-Bridge Brigade was arrested, with bail set at 12 million UAH.
Positive Comments on Appointment: Positive comments were made about the appointment of Olga Reshetilova.
Announcement of Prisoner Exchange: An exchange of prisoners of war took place, with 150 exchanged on each side.
Analysis of Ukrainian POWs on Bus: An image of Ukrainian POWs on a bus was analyzed, highlighting their mixed attire and expressions.
Analysis of Courtroom Image: An image of a courtroom scene in Ukraine was analyzed, suggesting a trial related to the conflict.
Analysis of Courtroom Video: A video of a courtroom scene in Ukraine was analyzed, suggesting a trial related to the conflict.
Air Raid Alert in Zaporizhzhia: An air raid alert was announced for the Zaporizhzhia region.
Threat of Ballistic Weapons: The Ukrainian Air Force reported a threat of ballistic weapons from the east.
Advertisement for War-Themed Game: An advertisement for a war-themed game featuring drones and other modern military equipment was shown.
Map Analysis of Pokrovsk Direction: A map analysis indicated a Russian offensive in the Pokrovsk direction, with high troop density.
Announcement of Agricultural Subsidies: Agrarians in the Zaporizhzhia region received 234.8 million UAH in subsidies.
Analysis of Agricultural Image: An image depicting agricultural activity and stacks of banknotes was analyzed, highlighting the importance of food security and economic resources.
Report on Armenian Border Control: Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan announced that Armenian border guards would take over control of the Armenian-Iranian border from Russian forces.
Report of Air Raid Sirens in Moscow: A report of air raid sirens in Moscow was shared, but the accompanying image suggested the information was false.
Humorous Post about New Year's Resolutions: A humorous post about New Year's resolutions was shared.
Report on Difficulties Faced by Disabled Veteran: A video showed a disabled veteran discussing the difficulties he faced in obtaining social support.
Video of Russian Military Operations in Kursk Region: A video showed Russian military operations in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian positions in Olgovka and the surrounding forest.
Video of Ukrainian Drone Strike Aftermath: A video showed the aftermath of a Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian vehicle, resulting in casualties.
Video of Ukrainian POW Reciting Poem: A video showed a Ukrainian POW reciting a patriotic poem after being released.
Analysis of Video of Released Ukrainian POWs: A video of released Ukrainian POWs on a bus was analyzed, highlighting their emotional state and the presence of Ukrainian flags.
Advertisement for Ani Lorak Concert: An image showed an advertisement for an Ani Lorak concert, with a contest for tickets.
Social Media Comments on Fundraising for Ukrainian Forces: Comments on a social media post discussed fundraising for Ukrainian forces, with some users making derogatory remarks about Russia.
Announcement of Prisoner Exchange: 189 Ukrainian prisoners of war were reported to have returned to Ukraine.
Video of Russian Military Operations in Kursk Region: A video showed Russian military operations in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian positions.
Image of Ukrainian POWs on Bus: An image of Ukrainian POWs on a bus was analyzed, highlighting their emotional state and the presence of Ukrainian flags.
Image of Ukrainian POWs on Bus: Another image of Ukrainian POWs on a bus was analyzed, highlighting their emotional state and the presence of Ukrainian flags.
Image of Ukrainian POWs on Bus: Another image of Ukrainian POWs on a bus was analyzed, highlighting their mixed attire and expressions.
Image of Ukrainian POWs Inspecting Object: An image of Ukrainian POWs inspecting an object was analyzed, suggesting the use of improvised tools.
Image of Ukrainian POWs on Bus: Another image of Ukrainian POWs on a bus was analyzed, highlighting their mixed attire and expressions.
Video of Public Figure Making Predictions: A video of a public figure making predictions about the end of the war was analyzed, with another person in the video discrediting the speaker.
Announcement of US Financial Aid to Ukraine: The US provided Ukraine with an additional $3.4 billion in budgetary aid.
Analysis of US-Ukraine Financial Aid Image: An image depicting US dollar bills, the US flag, and the Ukrainian flag was analyzed, highlighting the financial and political support from the US to Ukraine.
New Russian Artillery: New Russian self-propelled artillery systems are reportedly being deployed, capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 50 kilometers.
Azerbaijan-Russia Conflict: Public conflict between Azerbaijan and Russia over the Baku-Grozny flight is escalating. Azerbaijan is reportedly changing rules for Russian citizens' stays, potentially in response to Russian restrictions on foreigners.
Ukrainian forces, with the help of neighboring units, repelled one of the largest recent assaults in the Bakhmut direction near Klishchiivka, destroying 6 T-72 tanks and 6 BMP-2s, and damaging one tank.
Reports of Ukrainian citizens attempting to flee the country by posing as part of a funeral procession.
Marines used UAVs to locate and eliminate a Baba Yaga-type heavy drone in the Kakhovka direction. During reconnaissance, a UAV operator of the Northern Fleet Marines detected the drone, directed his drone on a suitable trajectory, and rammed into it.
The Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, with the help of donations, shot down a Russian Zala reconnaissance UAV wrapped in reinforced tape.
3 Storm Shadow missiles attacked a military facility in the Orlov region on Thursday, killing 2 soldiers and injuring 7.
Ukrainian forces struck a fortified military facility of the Russian Armed Forces in the Oryol region. As a result of the strike, a storage, maintenance, and repair facility for "Shahed" kamikaze drones, consisting of several reinforced concrete shelters, was destroyed. This combat operation significantly reduced the enemy's capability to conduct air raids using kamikaze drones against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. The Armed Forces of Ukraine possess detailed intelligence on Russian military objects. Efforts to identify and neutralize targets on the aggressor's territory will continue.
Satellite images show a Russian military facility in the Orlov region that was hit by SS missiles on December 26th. The facility appears to have 14 square bunkers/underground warehouses connected by tunnels. Each bunker is estimated to be approximately 70x70 meters. A road to the facility, marked in blue, was additionally protected by earthen embankments.
Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka, reportedly entering Pisky.
Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka.
High-intensity battles are ongoing near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske, Novyy Trud, Novotroyitske, Novoyelyzavetivka, Novoolenivka, Novopustynka, and Vozdvyzhenka.
Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reaching its outskirts and liberating Veselyi Gai.
Russian forces have effectively cut off the Pokrovsk-Dnipro highway. Russian DRGs are operating in Pokrovsk itself.
Ukrainian forces are continuing to transfer reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which was trained and equipped by France. 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.
Pokrovsk is completely without power.
Fighters of the 155th Brigade are being transferred from the reserves of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk). The unit was trained and equipped by France and was intended for the expected winter offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Ukrainian command was forced to use these reserves, which had been accumulated for offensive operations, due to the rapidly developing situation south of Krasnoarmiisk.
Russian military expert Andrey Marochko claims that Russian forces repelled nearly 2,000 Ukrainian counterattacks in the LPR in 2024, with Ukrainian losses nearing 400,000.
Reports suggest that the US is gaining access to military facilities in Papua New Guinea in exchange for financial aid, similar to arrangements with the Philippines.
Reports of a potential Turkish offensive against Kurdish forces in Rojava, with the US allegedly not providing guarantees to the Kurds.
US Senator Mike Lee calls for an end to US aid to Ukraine, alleging widespread money laundering.
The Taliban is reportedly no longer considered a terrorist organization in Russia.
Reports of a priest accused of attacking women being sent to the front lines in Ukraine.
Reports of a "deadly game" involving self-strangulation gaining popularity among teenagers on social media.
A Russian government official announced the completion of the first kilometer of a new metro tunnel in Nizhny Novgorod.
The head of the WHO reportedly narrowly escaped an Israeli airstrike on an airport in Sana'a, Yemen.
Russian sources claim that Ukrainian forces are using the operation in the Kursk region to justify the "sale" of Donbas, suggesting that the operation is
