Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - December 31, 2024, 15:17 UTC

Major Updates

Intensified Aerial and Missile Attacks

• Strategic Aerial Threats: Russian forces launched six Tu-22M3 strategic bombers from Olenya and Engels air bases, deploying X-22 missiles. High-speed targets, including probable ballistic missiles (possibly S-300), were detected.
• Attacks on Key Locations:
  • Shostka, Sumy Oblast: Multiple missiles targeted Shostka, resulting in damage to 12 apartment buildings, 2 educational institutions, and several infrastructure facilities.
  • Kherson: A high-speed target, likely a ballistic missile, was reported heading towards Kherson.
  • Odesa Oblast: A high-speed target was observed heading towards Odesa Oblast. A missile strike was reported on the port of Ilyichevsk/Chernomorsk.
  • Chornomorsk: A Kh-31P missile was reported heading towards Chornomorsk.
  • Vasylkiv: Russian sources report a significant attack on a military airfield, with heavy casualties and damage (unconfirmed by Ukrainian sources).
  • Kryzhopil: Reports of an explosion, likely a criminal act, with three men killed.
• Air Raid Alerts: Issued for Kyiv and several other oblasts due to aerial threats. Alerts in Mykolaiv Oblast were later called off.
• Air Defense Activity: Systems are active in Kyiv, indicating ongoing threats. Reports of air defense systems operating in unspecified locations.
• New Missile Threats: Reported in regions with active air alerts. A new high-speed target was observed in the south of Sumy Oblast. A guided air missile was reportedly heading towards Lebedyn.
• New Update: The Ukrainian Air Force reports enemy tactical aviation activity in the north-eastern direction and the threat of using air-launched weapons.
• New Update: The Ukrainian Air Force reports an enemy drone approaching Sumy from the north-west.

Drone Warfare

• Widespread Drone Activity: Reports across multiple regions, including Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnitsa, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Vasylkiv, Brovary, Sumy, Kharkiv, Lubny, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Chuhuiv, Pavlohrad, Zlatopil, and Merefa. Air raid alerts have been issued in multiple Oblasts.
• Russian Drone Utilization:
  • Approximately 100 Geran drones used to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
  • FPV drones targeting Ukrainian positions in Kurakhove direction.
  • Destruction of a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone.
  • Video evidence of Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
  • Video evidence of a Russian drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
  • Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones.
  • Marines used UAVs to locate and eliminate a Baba Yaga-type heavy drone in the Kakhovka direction.
  • Operators of the FPV group "Sever" hit three Ukrainian Armed Forces dugouts with three kamikaze drones in the Kharkiv direction.
  • Footage showing the destruction of an enemy UAV control point by drone operators of the 36th Army.
  • Video evidence shows a mobile, vehicle-mounted "Repellent-Patrul" anti-drone system.
  • Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
  • Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
  • Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
  • 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 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
  • Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
  • A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
  • 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.
  • Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold and a mortar position in the Kurakhove direction using FPV drones.
• Ukrainian Drone Capabilities:
  • Ukrainian forces report drones can strike targets up to 2,000 km away.
  • Successful strikes on Russian helicopters near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea using a Magura V5 naval drone and R-73 missile.
  • Destruction of a Russian Buk missile system.
  • Reports of a drone striking a ship in Crimea seized by Russia in 2014.
  • Remote mining of Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast, by a Ukrainian "Vampir" drone.
  • Mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction.
  • Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones with shotguns to shoot down Russian drones.
  • Destruction of a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
  • Reports of increased drone activity in Poltava, Myrhorod, Kyivska, and Chernihivska regions.
  • Drone attacks reported in Ochakiv, Mykolaiv Oblast, from the Black Sea.
  • Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
  • Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
  • 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.
  • Drone movement has been detected in the Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions, specifically near Nizhyn.
  • Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone.
  • The Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, with the help of donations, shot down a Russian Zala reconnaissance UAV wrapped in reinforced tape.
  • 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.
  • Enemy drones are moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske/Pivdenne (Odesa Oblast).
  • 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.
  • Several groups of attack drones detected south of Kyiv, suggesting a potential imminent drone attack on the capital or surrounding areas. Ukrainian air defense systems are likely on high alert.
  • Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
  • Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire in the Kharkiv region.
  • Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
  • 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.
• Drone Warfare in Specific Regions:
  • Mykolaiv Region: Up to 10 drones and several FPV drones involved in a recent attack. Ukrainian air defense systems engaged multiple Russian drones.
  • Voronezh Region: Over 10 drones detected and destroyed in the suburbs. Debris from downed drones caused damage to railway infrastructure.
  • Donetsk Oblast: Ukrainian drone attack on the Makeevsky Machine-Building Plant prevented. Remote mining by Ukrainian "Vampir" drone near Zoria. Drone strikes on assault columns near Kurakhove.
  • Orlov Region: 3 Storm Shadow missiles attacked a military facility, killing 2 soldiers and injuring 7. Ukrainian forces struck a fortified military facility, destroying a storage, maintenance, and repair facility for "Shahed" drones.
  • Volchansk: Drone attack reported.
  • Kursk Region: Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans. Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade engaging Russian infantry. Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists.
  • 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.
  • New Update: Ukrainian forces report shooting down a Russian Zala reconnaissance UAV.
  • New Update: The 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade of the Vostok group is actively destroying enemy observation and communication equipment near Velyka Novosilka using drones.
  • New Update: Video of an FPV drone attack on a Ukrainian mortar position in the Sumy direction.
  • New Update: Budanov revealed details of the destruction of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter by a naval drone, claiming it was the first instance of a helicopter being shot down over the Black Sea.
  • New Update: Video from ZALA, showcasing Lancet drone strikes.

Ground Operations

• Donetsk Oblast:
  • Kurakhove: Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city, with reports of Ukrainian withdrawal. Intense clashes near multiple settlements. Russian forces advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko. Russian forces liberated additional 5 sq km. Russian forces reportedly storming the territory of the Kurakhovskaya TPP.
  • Vremivka Direction: Russian forces captured Storozheve and are advancing towards Velyka Novosilka. Reports of a destroyed bridge over the Mokri Yaly river. Russian forces liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne.
  • Toretsk: Russian forces advanced near the Toretska mine and behind New York, taking the center of Shcherbinovka. Street fighting continues.
  • Pokrovsk: Russian forces have effectively cut off the Pokrovsk-Dnipro highway. Russian DRGs are operating in Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces transferring reinforcements to Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk). Heavy fighting reported. Ukrainian forces attempted a counterattack near Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk), but it was unsuccessful.
  • Chasiv Yar: Fighting continues in the urban areas. Russian forces control over half of the city. Ukrainian forces retook positions at the fire-resistant compound. Active fighting near the bus station.
  • Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction: Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka. Fighting for Novovasylivka continues. Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud.
  • Other: Russian forces advancing south towards Ukrainka, reportedly entering Pisky. Russian forces storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka. High-intensity battles ongoing near multiple settlements.
  • Siversk Direction: Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault using drones.
• Kharkiv Direction:
  • Enemy attacked twice near Vovchansk and Lyptsi.
  • Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
  • Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
  • 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.
  • Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
  • One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured due to shelling by Russian forces.
  • A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street.
  • Explosive strikes were reported in the region.
  • A Leopard tank was destroyed.
  • Operators of drones from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab".
  • New Update: Soldiers from the 57th Motorized Brigade delivered New Year's greetings near Volchansk.
  • New Update: Video from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade's engineering support group, showcasing their work and explaining the importance of proper mining and position preparation in modern warfare.
  • New Update: A French-made AMX-10RC wheeled tank was destroyed in the Kurakhove direction.
• Kursk Region:
  • Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts.
  • Russian airborne troops have reportedly taken full control of Cherkaska Konopelka.
  • Active combat near Sudzha: Russian forces are attacking towards Viktorivka.
  • Russian forces are making advances in the Sudzha area, particularly near Makhnovka.
  • Fighting is ongoing near Malaya Loknya, where a Russian drone strike targeted a Ukrainian vehicle and building.
  • Russian forces also report a drone strike near Maryevka, targeting a Ukrainian vehicle and building with personnel.
  • Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs.
  • Ukrainian forces report that North Korean soldiers have been rotated out of the region and replaced with Russian soldiers.
  • Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian military equipment and personnel near Novoelizavetivka, south of Pokrovsk.
  • Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry.
  • Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment.
  • Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists.
  • Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier.
  • Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
• Kupiansk Direction:
  • The enemy attempted to advance 16 times near Holubivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Kruhliakivka, and Zahryzove. Six clashes are ongoing.
• Siversk Direction:
  • Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Spear Group" of the 118th Territorial Defense Brigade, reportedly repelled a Russian assault using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles.
  • Russian forces have taken Ivan-Daryevka and are advancing west of the settlement.
• Other Regions:
  • Lozova: Liberation confirmed with video and photographic evidence.
  • Lgov: 8 Storm Shadow missiles targeted a military object, causing 8 military personnel deaths and 22 injuries.
  • Belgorod Region: Two civilians injured, and several villages lost electricity due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
  • Rostov Oblast: 17 Ukrainian drones destroyed overnight.
  • Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Operators of the 375th OPTADN used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot. Overnight, Russian forces actively attempted to attack Tokmak, Energodar and Melitopol. Ukrainian air defense successfully shot down hostile objects.
  • New Update: The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian defense forces struck another oil depot of the Russian occupiers, "Yartsevskaya" in the Smolensk region. Powerful explosions and a fire were recorded at the facility, with heavy smoke observed. Reservoirs with oil products reportedly caught fire. The base was known to be used for supplying the Russian occupying army.

Strategic and Political Developments

• US Aid Package: A final aid package from the Biden administration, totaling $15 billion in credit secured by frozen Russian assets, was announced. An additional $2.5 billion was also provided, along with hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and rockets. The $1.25 billion aid package includes munitions for anti-drone systems, air defense, HIMARS, artillery shells, air-to-ground munitions, anti-tank systems, fragmentation grenades, demolition equipment, communications, training, software, clothing, spare parts, and other equipment.
• New Ukrainian Military Ombudsman: President Zelensky appointed Olga Reshetilova as the new military ombudsman. This appointment is being criticized by some members of the military due to Reshetilova's past actions, including a trip to occupied Crimea in 2015 and a visit to Chechnya in 2016.
• Gas Transportation Tariffs: Tariffs for gas transportation may increase fourfold for domestic consumers in Ukraine due to the cessation of Russian gas transit.
• Infrastructure in Poland: Poland plans to build a road to the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region for rapid troop deployment.
• Potential Targets: Reports that Russia has developed plans for a potential war with Japan and South Korea.
• Recruitment Centers in Ukraine: Over 32,000 Ukrainians applied to recruitment centers in the first year of operation.
• New Legislation in Ukraine: President Zelensky signed a law eliminating Medical and Social Expert Commissions (MSECs).
• SpaceX and Starlink: SpaceX has reportedly entered into a new agreement to provide satellite communication services to Ukraine through Kyivstar. SpaceX also has a contract with the US Department of Defense to provide 2,500 Starlink terminals to Ukraine with access to the Starshield system.
• Alleged Attempted Assassination: Reports of an attempted assassination of an illegally mobilized individual in Donetsk.
• Russian Military Training: The Russian Minister of Defense inspected combat training of Black Sea Fleet marines, focusing on tactical and special training, including the use of FPV drones.
• Fundraising Campaigns: Several fundraising campaigns for both Ukrainian and Russian forces are ongoing. A fundraising campaign for a Ukrainian soldier nicknamed "Pumpkin" has been successfully completed.
• Ukrainian Morale-Boosting Video: A video from the 97th Separate Mechanized Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade shows Ukrainian forces targeting a Russian soldier with a drone strike on the Lyman direction of the front.
• Public Opinion Poll: A poll by the "Rating" group indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are the most trusted institution in Ukraine.
• Frontline Report from Seversk Direction: Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces are continuing to destroy Russian forces near Verkhnokamyanske. Ukrainian forces also reportedly advanced 900 meters south of Vyimka after clearing a forest belt.
• Russian Naval Successes: The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy reported that the Pacific Fleet was ranked first among Russian fleets in 2024.
• Italy's Contribution: Italy has contributed 13 million euros to Ukraine's energy support fund.
• Turkey's Position: President Erdogan stated that ending the war in Ukraine is a priority for 2025.
• Financial Times Prediction: Predicts a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia in the next year. Predicts for 2025 from the Financial Times, including Bitcoin reaching $200,000, the emergence of AI agents, no Israeli/US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump initiating a tariff war with China, Macron remaining in power, Germany easing its debt brake, and no falling out between Musk and Trump.
• Ukrainian Delegation's Visit to Damascus: A Ukrainian delegation visited Damascus and presented a traditional Ukrainian shirt to al-Julani. Kyiv is reportedly interested in acquiring jihadists, particularly Chechens, and weapons from the remnants of the Syrian government army.
• Potential Appearance of Chechen Fighters: The report suggests that Chechen fighters who previously fought in Aleppo and Homs might soon appear in the conflict zone, fighting on the Ukrainian side.
• Appointment of Former Head of Kyiv Regional State Administration: Ruslan Kravchenko has been appointed head of the State Tax Service of Ukraine.
• Sabotage in Tver: The Legion "Freedom of Russia" claimed responsibility for setting fire to a communication tower in Tver.
• Report on Ukrainian Drone Production: Ukraine is now producing 96% of the drones needed for the front, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Over 1.2 million drones have been procured through the "Army of Drones" project.
• New Year Greetings from Commander Budanov: The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, delivered a New Year's greeting, emphasizing the ongoing struggle and vowing retribution against enemies. Budanov also commented on Russia's ability to continue the war, stating that "Unfortunately, it is capable (of fighting against Ukraine - ed.). In the volumes that are now, it is capable. The Russian economy is slowly regressing. As they say, everyone is watching its fall. But, as I said earlier, in 2025 we will definitely see the approach of the Russian economy and the financial sector to a dangerous mark." He also gave a forecast for 2025, saying, "2025 will definitely be better than this one. There are specific reasons for this. And I hope that in 2025 we will see a lot of good events that will ultimately bring us all what we are so looking forward to."
• Report on Russian Military Production: A video from a volunteer sewing workshop in Rostov-on-Don indicates increased production of military supplies for Russian forces.
• Report on Russian Military Awards: Over the course of the "Special Military Operation," 52 servicemen in the "Vostok" group have been awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, and 14 military units have been designated as "Guards."
• New Year Address by Putin: President Putin delivered a New Year's address, expressing confidence in the country's future and acknowledging the challenges ahead.
• Report on Russian Tank Production: Uralvagonzavod has delivered the final batch of new T-90M and upgraded T-72B3M tanks for the year to the Russian military.
• Latvia's Support: Latvia plans to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and allocate 20 million euros for drone procurement in 2025.
• New message from "Alex Parker Returns": Reports that Gazprom has begun to cut off gas supplies through Ukraine. Claims that one of the goals of the SMO was to control the gas transportation system of Ukraine.
• New message from "РБК-Україна": Reports that the Financial Times predicts a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia in the next year, with the US potentially threatening tougher sanctions against Russia and increasing support for Kyiv to achieve this.
• New message from "ТАСС": Reports that the Russian government will expand the coverage of duties on products from unfriendly countries starting January 1, with increased duties on beer, cider, roasted and instant coffee, and an expansion of existing duties on perfumery and cosmetic products.
• New message from "Alex Parker Returns": Reports that there was a successful strike in Vasilkov, with significant damage and casualties.
• New message from "Два майора": Shares an image with the text "Reference:" followed by a description of Operation "Uran" (November 19, 1942 - February 2, 1943), a counteroffensive during the Great Patriotic War aimed at encircling and destroying the enemy group near Stalingrad.
• New message from "ОТУ "Харків"": Shares a video of soldiers from the 57th Motorized Brigade delivering New Year's greetings near Volchansk.
• New message from "Colonelcassad": Shares a summary of the Russian Ministry of Defense's report on repelling the attempted invasion of Ukrainian forces into the Kursk region of the Russian Federation as of December 31, 2024. The report states that units of the "North" group, during offensive operations, inflicted damage on formations of the heavy mechanized, six mechanized, three airborne assault brigades, a marine brigade, two territorial defense brigades, and an assault battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas of Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Novaya Sorochina, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. A counterattack by a Ukrainian assault group was repelled. Operational-tactical and army aviation strikes, as well as artillery fire, targeted enemy manpower and equipment in the areas of Alexandria, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kazachya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Nikolsky, Rubanshchina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, as well as Belovody and Zhuravka in the Sumy region. Over the course of the day, Ukrainian losses amounted to more than 445 servicemen, with the destruction of one armored personnel carrier, 13 armored fighting vehicles, and 22 vehicles. In total, during the combat operations in the Kursk direction, the enemy lost up to 45,980 servicemen, 262 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 143 armored personnel carriers, 1,372 armored fighting vehicles, 1,259 vehicles, 337 artillery pieces, 42 multiple rocket launcher systems, including 11 HIMARS and six MLRS made in the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile system launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 83 electronic warfare stations, 13 counter-battery radars, four air defense radars, 28 units of engineering and other equipment, including 13 engineering obstacle clearing vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing system, seven armored recovery vehicles, and a command and staff vehicle.

Casualties and Losses

• Russian Losses: Over the past day, Russian losses amounted to 1,610 personnel, five tanks, 27 armored fighting vehicles, 34 artillery systems, 12 operational-tactical UAVs, 75 vehicles, and one unit of special equipment.
• Ukrainian Losses: Reportedly eliminated over 160 Russian troops in the Donetsk direction in December. At least three battalions lost in the Kurakhove direction in recent weeks.
• North Korean Soldiers: Reports indicate significant losses among North Korean soldiers in the Russian army, with 1,000 casualties in the past week alone.

Other Notable Events

• Evacuations: 28 people, including one child, were evacuated from the Kupiansk and Borivskyi directions.
• Targeting of Ukrainian Military Personnel: In Kivsharivka, Kupiansk district, a 51-year-old woman was killed by artillery shelling.
• Mariupol, Azovstal, Chornobyl NPP, Zmiinyi Island: Defenders of these locations were among the 189 Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians returned home in a significant prisoner exchange.
• Propaganda: Several videos were shared, showcasing graphic footage of attacks on Russian soldiers and equipment, as well as Russian military personnel delivering New Year's greetings.
• Statistics on crimes committed by migrants in Russia: The Khabarovsk Krai Police has stated that official statistics on crimes committed by foreigners in Russia for 2024 will be published in January 2025.
• New Year's greetings from the African Corps: A video message from soldiers claiming to be part of the African Corps, extending New Year's greetings.
• New Information:
  • An analysis of a photo showing a Shaanxi Y-9 transport aircraft in flight suggests potential logistics operations.
  • Russian forces in occupied Kherson region are reportedly searching for and planning to sell land plots owned by Ukrainians who have left.
  • Image of Russian soldiers wearing "Z" patches indicates their likely involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
  • Fox News included President Biden's recent gaffe, referring to Ukrainian President Zelensky as "President [Vladimir] Putin".
  • At least 28 people died in the plane crash in South Korea.
  • A video shows the moment of the Boeing 737 crash in South Korea. There were 175 passengers and 6 crew members on board.
• Prisoner Exchange: 189 Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, including defenders of Mariupol, Azovstal, Chornobyl NPP, and Zmiinyi Island, were returned home.
• New Russian Artillery: Reports of new Russian self-propelled artillery systems 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.
• New Russian anti-drone system: Video evidence shows a mobile, vehicle-mounted "Repellent-Patrul" anti-drone system.
• New message from "Два майора": Shares a New Year's address from the Commander of the Airborne Forces, General-Colonel M.Yu. Teplinsky, to the personnel of the Airborne Forces and the "Dnepr" group of troops.
• New message from "Воин DV": Shares New Year's greetings from subscribers to the channel, including a message from the mother of a soldier in the 38th Brigade, a message from family and friends of soldiers, and a message from a soldier in the Far East.
• New message from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z": Shares a New Year's address from the Commander of the Airborne Forces, General-Colonel M.Yu. Teplinsky.
• New message from "ASTRA": Reports that Alexander Khinshtein, the acting head of the Kursk region, denied state support to entrepreneurs from Sudzha and warned that resettled residents should not expect increased compensation. During a meeting with initiative groups of residents of Sudzha, Khinshtein stated that entrepreneurs from the Kursk region should not expect any assistance. He believes that the standard of living of people who were able to start their own business is necessarily above average, which means that such people do not need state assistance. Khinshtein also refused to increase compensation for resettled residents, stating that the pensions, roads, and infrastructure that they had before 2022 were already provided by the state.

Updated Situation

Russian forces continue their offensive, making significant gains, particularly in the Donetsk region. The capture of several settlements, including Ivanivka, Zahryzove, Novyi Trud, and Lozova, is confirmed. Intense fighting is reported across multiple fronts, especially in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction. In Vremivka, Russian forces have reportedly cut off the last paved road supplying the Ukrainian garrison in Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal, attempting to consolidate their defenses, particularly near the Dnipro River.

Drone warfare remains a critical component, with ongoing drone activity reported in multiple regions, including near Kyiv and Poltava. Both sides are utilizing drones extensively for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces report destroying Russian equipment and personnel with drones, while also highlighting the need for more advanced electronic warfare capabilities to counter Russian drones. Ukrainian drone production has reportedly reached 96% of the front's needs, with over 1.2 million drones procured through the "Army of Drones" project. Russian forces are actively using drones to target and eliminate Ukrainian manpower, and there are reports of Ukrainian drones successfully targeting Russian helicopters. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian defense forces struck another oil depot of the Russian occupiers, "Yartsevskaya" in the Smolensk region.

A new and significant development is the emergence of a ballistic missile threat, particularly targeting Kyiv, Shostka, Odesa, and Chornomorsk. Air defense systems are active in Kyiv, and strikes have been reported in Shostka. The threat of ballistic missiles from Bryansk and Kursk adds complexity to the situation. The recent attack on Lgov using Storm Shadow missiles highlights Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities and their potential impact on Russian military assets within Russia itself. The reported casualties and damage underscore the