Strategic Overview of the Military Situation in Ukraine

December 30, 2024, 18:47 UTC

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

Drone Warfare

• Extensive and increasingly sophisticated use of drones by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
• Russia is confirmed to be integrating AI into Shahed drones to enhance their target recognition capabilities, even when offline.
• Ukrainian forces are innovating with shotgun-mounted drones to down enemy drones.
• FPV drones are being used extensively by both sides.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Pokrovsk is completely without power.
• New Update:** Three drones are moving from Kharkiv Oblast to Poltava Oblast.
• New Update: Four drones are approaching Chuhuiv/Kharkiv. Anti-aircraft operations may be active.
• New Update: Two drones are moving from the east of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to Kharkiv Oblast.
• New Update: One drone is in the Zlatopil area and has turned towards Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
• New Update: New Shahed drones from the Black Sea are heading towards the south of Odesa Oblast.
• New Update: Shahed drones are present in the south of Sumy Oblast, the east of Poltava Oblast, and the west of Kharkiv Oblast, moving northwards.
• New Update: A new group of Shahed drones is heading from the Black Sea towards the south of the Odesa region.
• New Update: New Shahed drones are heading towards Odesa Oblast, specifically towards the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district.
• New Update: Three Shahed drones are approaching Bilyaivka either through or near the town. Three new Shahed drones are moving from the Black Sea towards the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, with one potentially heading towards Ovidiopol.
• New Update: The Air Force reported:
  • A new group of Shahed drones from the Black Sea heading towards the south of the Odesa region.
  • Shahed drones in the south of the Odesa region heading north.
  • Shahed drones in the south of the Kharkiv region heading northwest.
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the north of the Kharkiv region heading towards the Poltava region.
  • Drones in the east of the Poltava region heading towards Myrhorod.
  • Shahed drones in the east of the Sumy region heading towards the Chernihiv region.
• New Update: Three Shahed drones are heading towards Kurortne through Bilyaivka. One Shahed drone is circling at the intersection of the Sumy and Poltava regions. Two Shahed drones are moving from the Kharkiv region to the Poltava region. Three Shahed drones are in the Lozova area of the Kharkiv region, heading north.
• New Update: 3 drones are moving through Bilyaivka towards Kurortne. 1 drone is circling around the border of Sumy and Poltava oblasts. 2 drones are moving from Kharkiv to Poltava. 3 drones are in Lozova area, heading north.
• Update: 3 drones via Rozdilna are heading towards Odesa Oblast.
• Update: 2 drones via Bilyaivka are heading towards Odesa.
• Update: 1 new drone from the Black Sea is heading towards Ovidiopol.
• Update: 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv.
• Update: 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy.
• Update: 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest.
• Update: 1 drone turned towards Odesa, expect loud activity.

Donetsk Oblast

• 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.
• 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.
• Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove 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.
• 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.
• "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.
• Drone operators of the 46th brigade targeted Russian soldiers in Kurakhove.
• Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
• Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
• Footage showing the destruction of an enemy UAV control point by drone operators of the 36th Army.
• 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 shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
• Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.
• Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
• Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier 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.
• Video evidence confirms ongoing engagements, with soldiers from the 68th tank regiment advancing and capturing enemy positions.
• Drone strikes remain a significant feature of the fighting near Kurakhove.
• The 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation on the Pokrovsk direction.
• Video footage shows the destruction of a Starlink station by the "Southern Front" group.
• Video evidence of a Russian FPV drone attacking a building with a modified munition.
• Drone attack near Volchansk
• "Ronin" unit of the 65th Mechanized Brigade used drones to destroy three Russian field howitzers of different calibers.
• A "wedding" Mavic drone acting as an inspector stops a pair of Russian vehicles, followed by FPV drone strikes.
• New Update: Operators of the FPV group "Sever" hit three Ukrainian Armed Forces dugouts with three kamikaze drones in the Kharkiv direction.
• New Update: Burning foreign equipment warms the soul like nothing else! The ATGM crews of the 68th Army Corps brigade destroyed a French-made AMX-10 RC wheeled tank in the area of the Sukhi Yaly River. Equipment from the West continues to be turned into scrap metal by the efforts of guys from the Far East!

Kharkiv Oblast

• 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.
• Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
• A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
• Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
• Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
• Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
• Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
• Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
• Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
• One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
• A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
• Explosive strikes were reported in the region.

Kherson Oblast

• Ukrainian drone attack targeted a hospital in Aleshki (Kherson Oblast), resulting in casualties.
• 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.
• Three drones are confirmed to be moving through Kutsurub in a northerly direction.
• Ukrainian air defense systems are actively engaging Russian drones, with reports of "first drones shot down" in the Mykolaiv region.
• Air raid alerts issued for multiple regions.
• 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.

Kursk Oblast

• 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.
• 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. 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.

Mykolaiv Oblast

• Up to 10 drones and several FPV drones were involved in the recent attack.
• Ukrainian air defense systems engaged multiple Russian drones near Nechaiane, Ochakiv, and Velyka Korenykha.
• Russian drones were launched from Crimea.
• Up to 10 drones were reported over Ochakiv, with some shot down. One drone was reported near Parutino.
• New enemy drone attacks reported in Ochakiv from the Black Sea.

Zaporizhzhia Oblast

• In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, operators of the 375th OPTADN used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot.

Orlov Region

• 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.

Ground Operations

Donetsk Oblast

• Two civilians injured in Horlivka due to a Ukrainian attack.
• Fighting continues in the Dzerzhinsk area.
• Ukrainian forces conducted four attacks on populated areas of the Donetsk region.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold and a mortar position in the Kurakhove direction.
• Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk).
• Russian electronic warfare systems disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week.
• Seven members of the 101st Brigade surrendered near Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk).
• Intense fighting continues in the southern part of the Donetsk direction.
• Heavy artillery battles reported near Pokrovsk.
• Fighting escalating in the direction of Myrnohrad.
• 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.
• 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.
• Kurakhove:
  • Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city.
  • Ukrainian withdrawal reported.
  • Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and Gigant liberated.
  • Advancing on Yantarnoye.
  • Bridge over the Volchya River destroyed.
  • Clashes near multiple settlements.
  • Airstrikes reported.
  • Guided air bombs against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
  • Forest belt occupation south of Zelenivka.
  • High-intensity battles near several settlements.
  • Drone and sniper activity.
  • Positional fighting in the Kurakhove-Dalnee area.
  • Night raid by "Mad Dogs" brigade.
  • Communications repeater destruction.
  • Advance towards Shevchenko.
  • Loss of positions reported by Ukrainian forces.
  • Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of Kurakhove, continuing offensive operations.
  • Reports persist that Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from Kurakhove.
  • Russian forces liberated several settlements and are advancing, destroying a bridge.
  • Video evidence shows drone strikes on various targets.
  • Snipers and drone operators actively targeting Ukrainian forces.
  • Intense clashes ongoing near several settlements.
  • Ukrainian forces used drones to target Russian positions.
  • Video evidence shows Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian observation posts, soldiers, and positions.
  • Drone recording of a military engagement.
  • Operators of FPV drones detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
  • Sontsovka renamed Krasnoye.
  • In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna.
  • Ongoing battles near multiple settlements.
  • Russian forces advanced more than 1km from Dalnee.
  • Video shows nighttime operations conducted by operators of the 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade.
  • Russian forces advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko.
  • Ukrainian forces report the loss of some positions.
  • Russian forces consolidating control over approximately 80% of Kurakhove.
  • Clashes continue in the central part of the city.
  • Russian forces liberated Gigant.
  • Russian forces storming Novooleenovka.
  • Video shows drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel.
  • Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
  • Positional fighting in Kurakhove.
  • Russian forces reportedly came under fire in an administrative building of the Kurakhovskaya TPP.
  • Russian assault units advanced up to 1.5 km west of the city.
  • Video evidence confirms ongoing engagements.
  • Russian assault troops intensifying efforts.
  • Russian forces are effectively out on the Pokrovsk-Dnipro highway.
  • Russian DRGs are operating in Pokrovsk itself.
  • Heavy fighting continues in the Kurakhove area.
  • Fighting for Novovasylivka continues.
  • "Otvazhnye" forces are making a powerful push near Pokrovsk, initiating assaults on Solone, Novovasylivka, and Novoelizavetivka.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Source from Krasnoarmiisk reports: "In Krasik (Krasnoarmiisk), soldiers from Dnipro have arrived. During a conversation with one of the soldiers, he said to warn acquaintances, relatives, and friends to leave Krasik! As the task is to eliminate civilians. This will be done by Ukrainian soldiers disguised in Russian uniforms with identifying marks. In short, a provocation. This information is also confirmed by a priest from Krasik. Krasik itself is being heavily shelled. There were no strikes in Dobrik." This suggests a possible false flag operation by Ukrainian forces.
  • According to unconfirmed information, Ukrainian forces no longer control the territory of the Kurakhovskaya TPP. Their units are leaving the station under pressure from Russian assault groups.
  • Video evidence suggests that Russian forces have captured the Kurakhivska Thermal Power Plant. This is considered a key point in the battle for the city.
  • Russian forces are storming the thermal power plant and advancing in multiple directions around Kurakhove, with reports of Ukrainian forces withdrawing from the plant.
  • Russian forces are advancing near Shevchenko, Yantarne, Rozlyv, and Rivnopil, as confirmed by Ukrainian military analysts.
  • Video evidence confirms ongoing engagements, with soldiers from the 68th tank regiment shown advancing and capturing enemy positions. Russian assault troops are intensifying efforts near Dachny and the industrial zone, while also attempting to penetrate Ukrainian defenses to the south of the city. Drone strikes remain a significant feature of the fighting.
  • Continued fighting in Kurakhovo. Assault troops are pressing in the direction of Dachny from the north and the industrial zone from the north-west. To the south of the city, the defensive line in the fields is being forced open, covering the approaches to the city from the south. On the right bank, they occupied part of the defensive positions of the Ukrainians to the north-west of Uspenovka. Fighting is ongoing for
• Vremivka Direction:
  • Russian forces captured Storozheve, forming a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka, and liberated Uspenovka and Novyi Komar.
  • Ukrainian forces reportedly encircled in Makarivka, though this is officially denied.
  • Clashes ongoing near multiple settlements.
  • Russian forces advancing towards Velyka Novosilka.
  • Bridge over the Mokri Yaly river destroyed.
  • Russian forces reportedly liberated Makarivka and gained control of the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
  • Russian forces reportedly already at the **Huliaipole-Velyka Novoselka

Other Key Developments

• 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.