Key Military Situation Updates in Ukraine - December 31, 2024

Strategic Overview

Intense Fighting in Donetsk and Kharkiv: The situation remains critical, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction.
Russian Advances: Reports indicate significant Russian advances, notably the capture of Kurakhove, with fighting ongoing in the industrial zone on the western outskirts. Russian forces have taken control of the Kurakhove thermal power plant.
Drone Warfare: Extensive use of drones by both sides, with Russia reportedly integrating AI into Shahed drones. Ukrainian forces are innovating counter-drone measures and targeting Russian logistics with drones.
Air Activity: Multiple strategic bombers launched by Russia with cruise missiles, indicating a large-scale air assault. Air raid alerts activated and lifted multiple times across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Mykolaiv Oblasts. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging drones and missiles. A high-speed target was reported in the direction of Shostka, Sumy Oblast.

Key Developments

Donetsk Oblast

Kurakhove: Russian forces reportedly captured the entirety of Kurakhove, with fighting continuing in the industrial zone. Russian assault groups are storming the Kurakhovskaya TPP, the last Ukrainian stronghold in Kurakhove.
Pokrovsk: Heavy fighting reported, with Ukrainian forces engaged in a fighting withdrawal. Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass drone attack on Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction. Operators of drones from the "Center" group continue to hunt for Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk direction.
Vremivka: Russian forces making advances along this direction.
Toretsk: Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine. Ukrainian forces report ongoing urban combat in Toretsk, with Russian forces attempting to break through via Shcherbynivka.

Kharkiv Oblast

Volchansk: Russian forces launched a new offensive, crossing the Volchya River and establishing a bridgehead near Volchansk.
Kupyansk: Fighting continues in the Kupyansk direction, and Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova. Reports of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian positions. 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. 28 people, including one child, were evacuated from the Kupiansk and Borivskyi directions.
Drone Activity: Reports of drone movements 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.

Kursk Oblast

Heavy Fighting: Ongoing engagements with reports of Ukrainian HIMARS strikes.
Alleged Atrocities: Reports of atrocities and a Ukrainian soldier surrendering after reading a leaflet.
Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces conducted a drone operation in the Kursk region, 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.

Other Regions

Kyiv: Air raid alerts activated and lifted. Reports of air defense activity and explosions. Threat of ballistic missiles targeting Kyiv and Vasylkiv.
Zaporizhzhia: Air raid alerts activated and lifted. Reports of drone attacks. Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian communication tower and a supply depot. An explosion was reported in Zaporizhzhia, with Ukrainian air defenses engaging drones.
Sumy: Air raid alerts activated due to drone threats. A high-speed target was reported in the direction of Shostka.
Mykolaiv: Air raid alerts activated and lifted due to drone threats. Reports of drone attacks.
Odesa: Reports of drone attacks. Ukrainian Air Force reports new Shahed drones from the Black Sea are heading towards the south of Odesa Oblast.

Drone Warfare Highlights

AI Integration: Russia reportedly integrating AI into Shahed drones.
Ukrainian Innovations: Shotgun-mounted drones used to down enemy drones.
Extensive Use: FPV drones used extensively by both sides.
Targeting Successes: Ukrainian forces report multiple successful drone strikes on Russian equipment, personnel, and infrastructure.
Casualties: Reports of a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, injuring eight civilians.

Geopolitical and Other Developments

US Support: Continued US support for Ukraine.
NATO Presence: Increased NATO presence in the Baltic Sea.
BRICS Expansion: Potential expansion discussed, highlighting global instability.
Russian Counter-Extremism Strategy: Introduction of new strategy, including "Russophobia" concept.
Civilian Airliner Crash: Crash in South Korea with significant casualties, underscoring global instability.
Telegram Disruptions: Reports of Telegram outages in Russia and abroad.
Ukrainian Diplomatic Efforts: Ukraine seeking to broaden international support, including a visit to Damascus.
Poland's EU Accession Support: Poland intends to speed up Ukraine's accession to the EU.
New Year's Eve Celebrations: The main Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus) wished all soldiers participating in the special military operation the fulfillment of their desires and a reliable rear. In Moscow, there are no exceptions for violating the silence on New Year's Eve, and the launch of fireworks after 23:00 is prohibited.
War Crimes Accusations: Some of the military personnel participating in the New Year's shows on Russian television channels are accused of war crimes in Ukraine.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains extremely volatile, with intense fighting focused on the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Russian forces are making significant advances, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones extensively for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Russia's reported integration of AI into Shahed drones represents a concerning development.

Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal in some areas, notably towards the Dnipro River, while also launching new offensives in others, such as near Volchansk. They are employing counter-drone measures and inflicting losses on Russian troops and equipment.

The air situation is highly active, with Russia launching multiple strategic bombers and deploying cruise missiles. Air raid alerts have been repeatedly activated and lifted across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Mykolaiv Oblasts. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging drones and missiles.

The new reports of air defense activity and explosions in Kyiv, along with the threat of ballistic missiles, indicate that the capital remains a target. The continued air activity over Russia, with the launch of strategic bombers and X-22 missiles, suggests that Russia is maintaining its air campaign. The reports of a high-speed target in the direction of Shostka, Sumy Oblast, and the ongoing fighting in Kharkiv Oblast, highlight the continued intensity of the conflict in these regions. The evacuation of civilians from the Kupiansk and Borivskyi directions underscores the humanitarian impact of the fighting.

The Ukrainian General Staff's report of 168 combat clashes, one missile strike, and 1864 kamikaze drone attacks over the past day, along with the reported Russian losses, provides a quantitative measure of the conflict's intensity. The "Ghost Khortytsia" battalion's reported drone activities and claimed successes highlight the growing importance of drone warfare in the conflict.

The involvement of military personnel accused of war crimes in New Year's celebrations on Russian television is a disturbing development that underscores the brutality of the conflict. The propaganda efforts by both sides, including the video from the "T.ME/RUSICH_ARMY" Telegram channel and the video of the Russian soldier in a Ded Moroz costume, highlight the ongoing information war alongside the physical conflict.

The overall situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing fighting, significant casualties, and a high risk of further escalation. The strategic implications of the conflict continue to evolve, with potential impacts on regional and global stability.

Changes to the Situation from New Messages (last 6 hours)

Continued Air Activity: Reports indicate ongoing air activity with the take-off of a MiG-31K from Savasleyka and the launch of X-22 missiles from Tu-22M3 bombers. There's also a high-speed target in the northern part of Chernihiv Oblast and reports of multiple missiles targeting Shostka.
Continued Air Activity Over Russia: Russian forces launched six Tu-22M3 strategic bombers from the Olenya and Engels air bases. They also launched X-22 missiles.
Air Activity Over Sumy Oblast: A high-speed target was reported in the direction of Shostka, Sumy Oblast.
Attacks in Kharkiv Oblast: There were no attacks on Kharkiv city overnight. However, an enemy drone caused a fire in a residential building in Vidrodzhenivske, Bohodukhiv district. In Kivsharivka, Kupiansk district, a 51-year-old woman was killed by artillery shelling. A multi-story residential building was also damaged.
Fighting in Kharkiv Oblast: On the Kharkiv direction, the enemy attacked twice near Vovchansk and Lyptsi. On the Kupiansk direction, the enemy attempted to advance 16 times near Holubivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Kruhliakivka, and Zahryzove. Six clashes are ongoing.
Evacuations: 28 people, including one child, were evacuated from the Kupiansk and Borivskyi directions.
Military Engagements: The Ukrainian General Staff reports 168 combat clashes over the past day. The enemy launched one missile strike and used 1864 kamikaze drones. Ukrainian aviation, missile, and artillery forces struck four areas of enemy concentration, an ammunition depot, and six other important enemy targets.
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.
Russian Drone Usage: The "Ghost Khortytsia" battalion, a unit of the 15th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, has conducted 1797 drone missions since its formation on December 13, 2024. They claim to have killed or wounded 232 enemy personnel, destroyed 220 infrastructure points, 13 armored vehicles, 3 logistics vehicles, 2 electronic warfare/SIGINT units, and conducted 26 remote mining missions.
New Year's Celebrations: The main Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus) wished all soldiers participating in the special military operation the fulfillment of their desires and a reliable rear. In Moscow, there are no exceptions for violating the silence on New Year's Eve, and the launch of fireworks after 23:00 is prohibited.
War Crimes Accusations: Some of the military personnel participating in the New Year's shows on Russian television channels are accused of war crimes in Ukraine.
Propaganda: A video from the Telegram channel "T.ME/RUSICH_ARMY" shows a drone targeting Ukrainian personnel and positions, followed by artillery strikes. This is likely a propaganda effort to showcase the effectiveness of Russian forces. Another video shows a Russian soldier in a Ded Moroz costume delivering a holiday message, which can be seen as a soft power campaign to maintain morale and project an image of normalcy.
Explosions in Kyiv: Explosions were reported in Kyiv, with debris falling in the Darnytskyi district. No casualties or significant damage were reported.
Air Defense Activity in Kyiv: Air defense systems are active in Kyiv, indicating ongoing threats.
Missile Attacks on Shostka: Russian forces launched multiple missile attacks on Shostka, Sumy Oblast.
Drone Attacks in Smolensk Oblast: Reports of drone attacks on an oil depot in Smolensk Oblast, with the local governor claiming "debris" fell.
Explosions in Sevastopol: Reports of loud explosions in Sevastopol overnight, with claims of drone attacks.
Drone Attacks in North Ossetia: A drone was reportedly shot down over a training ground in North Ossetia. Vladikavkaz airport was closed for arrivals and departures.
Drone and Missile Attacks on Crimea: 17 drones were reportedly shot down over Crimea overnight, with 4 near Sevastopol. Two unmanned boats were also reportedly destroyed near the coast of Sevastopol.
SpaceX and Starlink: SpaceX has reportedly entered into a new agreement to provide satellite communication services to Ukraine through Kyivstar, a mobile operator. This will provide satellite connectivity to Kyivstar subscribers starting in 2025. Additionally, SpaceX has a contract with the US Department of Defense to provide 2,500 Starlink terminals to Ukraine with access to the Starshield system, a secure and encrypted signal.
Potential Assault in Kherson Region: Reports from a partisan group "ATESH" suggest that Russian forces are preparing for an assault in the Kherson region, expecting heavy losses. The information reportedly comes from an agent within the 1218th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces.
Alleged Attempted Assassination in Donetsk: Reports of an attempted assassination of an illegally mobilized individual in Donetsk. The victim is reportedly in serious condition.
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.
Drone Attack: A Ukrainian drone reportedly struck a Russian helicopter using an R-73 missile.
Fundraising Campaigns: Several fundraising campaigns for both Ukrainian and Russian forces are ongoing, highlighting the continued need for resources and equipment on both sides of the conflict.
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.
Ukraine's Commitment to Syria: Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Ukraine will "do everything possible to help Syria get rid of Russian influence."
Continued Air Activity Over Russia: Reports that 8 TU-22M3 bombers (4 from Olenya and 4 from Engels) were active.
Attacks on Infrastructure in Shostka: Reports that 12 apartment buildings, 2 educational institutions, and several infrastructure facilities were damaged in Shostka.
Air Defense Activity in Kyiv: Reports that air defense systems were active in Kyiv, with a combination of Iskander and 6 guided air missiles being used.
Drone Attacks in North Ossetia: Reports that a drone was shot down over a training ground in North Ossetia, causing the closure of Vladikavkaz airport.
Air Defense Activity in Kyiv: Reports that air defense systems were active in Kyiv, with a combination of Iskander and 6 guided air missiles being used.
New Drone Attacks: Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight.
Subway Shelter Usage: Images from Kyiv's subway system show civilians using it as a shelter during air raids.
New Drone Attacks: Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight.
New Drone Attacks: Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight.
New Drone Attacks: Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight.
Drone Attacks in North Ossetia: Reports that a drone was shot down over a training ground in North Ossetia, causing the closure of Vladikavkaz airport.
Public Opinion Poll: A poll by the "Rating" group indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are the most trusted institution in Ukraine, with over 70% of respondents having relatives who have fought or are fighting in the war. The poll also shows a high level of distrust towards employees of the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCC).
Frontline Report from Seversk Direction: Reports from the "Diary of a Paratrooper" Telegram channel indicate that Ukrainian forces are continuing to destroy Russian forces near Verkhnokamyanske, with the goal of expanding control towards a field reservoir east of Seversk. 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, with over 350 exercises conducted. The report also mentions the participation of Russian ships in joint naval exercises with foreign countries and a seven-month deployment of a ship detachment to the Mediterranean Sea.
HIMARS Strike in Kherson Oblast: Reports of a Russian missile strike targeting HIMARS launchers in Kherson Oblast.
New Year's Greetings from Russian Celebrities: A video message from the rector of the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, Nikolai Tsiskaridze, wishing readers of TASS a happy new year.
New Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign for a special forces unit operating in the Donetsk direction, requesting quadcopters, their components, and personal protective equipment.
New Year's Greetings from Ukrainian Forces: A video message from the 97th Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade, showing a drone strike on a Russian soldier.
New Year's Greetings from Ukrainian Forces: A video message from the 97th Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade, showing a drone strike on a Russian soldier.
New Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign for an evacuation vehicle for the 3rd Mechanized Battalion of the Separate Presidential Brigade named after Bohdan Khmelnytsky.
Arrest Warrant for Former South Korean President: Reports that an arrest warrant has been issued for the impeached former president of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, on charges of imposing martial law, organizing a rebellion, and abuse of power.
New Drone Attacks: Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight.
Drone Attack on Russian Helicopter: Reports that a Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, using an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile. Another Mi-8 was reportedly damaged but able to reach its base.
Air Raid Alerts Lifted: Reports that air raid alerts have been lifted across Ukraine.
Ukrainian Military Losses in Kurakhove Direction: Reports from TASS, citing sources in the security forces, that Ukrainian forces have lost at least three battalions in the Kurakhove direction in recent weeks.
New Year's Greetings from Ukrainian Airborne Forces: A video message from the communications department of the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade, wishing viewers a happy new year and thanking them for their support.
Drone Attack on Russian Helicopter: Reports that a Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, using an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile. Another Mi-8 was reportedly damaged but able to reach its base.
Drone Attack on Russian Helicopter: Reports that a Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, using an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile. Another Mi-8 was reportedly damaged but able to reach its base.
New Drone Attacks: Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight.
No Lump-Sum Payments for Contracted Prisoners: A new decree from the Russian government denies lump-sum payments to prisoners who sign contracts to join the military.
Drone Attack on Bryansk Oblast: Reports that a Ukrainian drone was shot down over Bryansk Oblast, with no casualties or damage reported.
Increase in Crimes Committed by Migrants in Russia: Reports of a significant increase in crimes committed by migrants in Russia in 2024, including a 40% increase in rapes.
New Year's Greetings from the Police of Khabarovsk Krai: A photo message from the police of Khabarovsk Krai, wishing everyone a happy new year.
New Year's Greetings from the Police of Khabarovsk Krai: A photo message from the police of Khabarovsk Krai, wishing everyone a happy new year.
New Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign for a special forces unit operating in the Donetsk direction, requesting quadcopters, their components, and personal protective equipment.
New Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign for a special forces unit operating in the Donetsk direction, requesting quadcopters, their components, and personal protective equipment.
Drone Attack on Russian Helicopter: Reports that a Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, using an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile. Another Mi-8 was reportedly damaged but able to reach its base.
New Advertisement for a Mobile Game: A new advertisement for a mobile game called "Battle of Drones: Ukraine," created by "real commanders during the war."
New Advertisement for a Mobile Game: A new advertisement for a mobile game called "Battle of Drones: Ukraine," created by "real commanders during the war."
New Russian Missile and Drone Attacks: Reports of new Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, with damage reported in Shostka and Kyiv. Air raid alerts have been issued across the country.
Praise for Russian General: A photo and message praising Colonel-General Andrei Mordvichev as the "commander of the year," highlighting the successes of his troops in 2024.
Praise for Russian General: A photo and message praising Colonel-General Andrei Mordvichev as the "commander of the year," highlighting the successes of his troops in 2024.
Drone Attack on Russian Soldier: A video message from the 97th Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade, showing a drone strike on a Russian soldier.
Drone Attack on Russian Soldier: A video message from the 97th Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade, showing a drone strike on a Russian soldier.
New Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign for an evacuation vehicle for the 3rd Mechanized Battalion of the Separate Presidential Brigade named after Bohdan Khmelnytsky.
New Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign for an evacuation vehicle for the 3rd Mechanized Battalion of the Separate Presidential Brigade named after Bohdan Khmelnytsky.
Air Raid Alerts Lifted in Kyiv: Air raid alerts have been lifted in Kyiv, indicating a temporary de-escalation in the immediate threat.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Russian Helicopter: Ukrainian forces successfully used a Magura V5 naval drone equipped with an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile to shoot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea. This marks a significant development in Ukraine's naval drone capabilities.
Ukrainian Military Losses in Kurakhove Direction: Russian sources claim that Ukrainian forces have lost at least three battalions in the Kurakhove direction in recent weeks. This indicates the intensity of the fighting in this area and the heavy toll it is taking on Ukrainian forces.
New Year's Greetings from Ukrainian Airborne Forces: A video message from the communications department of the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade, thanking viewers for their support. This is a morale-boosting effort aimed at maintaining public support for the military.
Russian Government Denies Lump-Sum Payments to Contracted Prisoners: A new decree from the Russian government denies lump-sum payments to prisoners who sign contracts to join the military. This could potentially impact recruitment efforts among this demographic.
Increase in Crimes Committed by Migrants in Russia: Reports of a significant increase in crimes committed by migrants in Russia in 2024, including a 40% increase in rapes. This could potentially lead to increased social tensions and impact domestic security.
Propaganda Efforts: A video from a Russian soldier in a Ded Moroz costume delivering a holiday message and a video from the Telegram channel "T.ME/RUSICH_ARMY" showing a drone targeting Ukrainian personnel and positions, followed by artillery strikes, are examples of ongoing propaganda efforts by both sides to maintain morale and showcase their effectiveness.
Report of Ukrainian delegation visit to Damascus: Ukrainian delegation visited Damascus and presented a traditional Ukrainian shirt to al-Julani.
Report of non-public part of negotiations between Ukrainian delegation and Damascus: Kyiv is reportedly interested in acquiring jihadists, particularly Chechens, and weapons from the remnants of the Syrian government army.
Claim of potential appearance of Chechen fighters in the Special Military Operation zone: 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.
Report of Russian forces being attacked by soldiers from the Foreign Legion under Pokrovsk: Russian forces attacked soldiers from the Foreign Legion near Pokrovsk.
Three Russian soldiers were released from hospitals: The condition of three other soldiers remains critical.
Report of renewed attack on Lgov with 8 Storm Shadow missiles: The attack suggests the use of Western long-range precision weapons against targets in Russia.
Appointment of former head of Kyiv Regional State Administration: Ruslan Kravchenko has been appointed head of the State Tax Service of Ukraine.
Inspection of combat training of Black Sea Fleet marines: Russian Minister of Defense inspected combat training, focusing on tactical and special training, including the use of FPV drones.
Report on the downing of a Russian helicopter by a Ukrainian drone: A Ukrainian drone reportedly struck a Russian helicopter using an R-73 missile.
Sabotage in Tver: The Legion "Freedom of Russia" claimed responsibility for setting fire to a communication tower in Tver. This indicates internal resistance and potential sabotage operations within Russia.
Map Updates: Several changes to the map were reported, including:
- Russian forces advancing past the Solen River near Dachenskoye.
- Russian forces capturing the railway station in Chasiv Yar.
- Russian forces advancing near the Agronom farm.
- Russian forces improving positions in Toretsk.
- Russian forces advancing west of Uspenovka.
- Russian forces expanding the control zone north of Dachenskoye.
- Russian forces entering Makhnovka.
- Russian forces advancing in Vozdvyzhenka.
- Russian forces expanding the control zone northwest of Uspenovka.
- Russian forces liberating Volkovo.
- Russian forces controlling most of Terny.
New Year's Greetings from Russian Celebrities: A video message from the rector of the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, Nikolai Tsiskaridze, wishing readers of TASS a happy new year.
New Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign for a special forces unit operating in the Donetsk direction, requesting quadcopters, their components, and personal protective equipment.
New Year's Greetings from Ukrainian Forces: A video message from the 97th Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade, showing a drone strike on a Russian soldier.
Drone Attack on Russian Helicopter: Reports that a Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, using an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile. Another Mi-8 was reportedly damaged but able to reach its base.
New Drone Attacks: Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight.
No Lump-Sum Payments for Contracted Prisoners: A new decree from the Russian government denies lump-sum payments to prisoners who sign contracts to join the military.
Drone Attack on Bryansk Oblast: Reports that a Ukrainian drone was shot down over Bryansk Oblast, with no casualties or damage reported.
Increase in Crimes Committed by Migrants in Russia: Reports of a significant increase in crimes committed by migrants in Russia in 2024, including a 40% increase in rapes.
New Year's Greetings from the Police of Khabarovsk Krai: A photo message from the police of Khabarovsk Krai, wishing everyone a happy new year.
New Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign for a special forces unit operating in the Donetsk direction, requesting quadcopters, their components, and personal protective equipment.
Drone Attack on Russian Helicopter: Reports that a Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, using an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile. Another Mi-8 was reportedly damaged but able to reach its base.
New Advertisement for a Mobile Game: A new advertisement for a mobile game called "Battle of Drones: Ukraine," created by "real commanders during the war."
New Russian Missile and Drone Attacks: Reports of new Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, with damage reported in Shostka and Kyiv. Air raid alerts have been issued across the country.
Praise for Russian General: A photo and message praising Colonel-General Andrei Mordvichev as the "commander of the year," highlighting the successes of his troops in 2024.
Drone Attack on Russian Soldier: A video message from the 97th Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade, showing a drone strike on a Russian soldier.
New Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign for an evacuation vehicle for the 3rd Mechanized Battalion of the Separate Presidential Brigade named after Bohdan Khmelnytsky.
Air Raid Alerts Lifted in Kyiv: Air raid alerts have been lifted in Kyiv, indicating a temporary de-escalation in the immediate threat.
Explosion in Zaporizhzhia: An explosion was reported in Zaporizhzhia.
Military Recruiting: Ukrainian military personnel with master's degrees and leadership experience will be able to hold officer positions without attending additional courses.

Situation Report