Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine (January 3, 2025)
Donetsk Region
Kurakhove: Intense fighting continues. Russian forces have captured three factories and the industrial zone, advancing towards Petropavlivka. They report entering the eastern outskirts of Petropavlivka and securing most of Kurakhove, with only the outskirts requiring clearance. 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 liberated an additional 5 sq km, advancing south of Ukrainian positions in the industrial zone in the Kurakhove direction. Russian forces are reportedly advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko. Russian forces are reportedly advancing up to 3 km towards the town from the south. Russian forces are advancing in Kurakhove, taking control of several streets. Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove direction. Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one. Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater. Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction. Ukrainian forces have lost at least three battalions in the Kurakhove direction in recent weeks.
Pokrovsk: Heavy fighting is reported in Novovasylivka, 10 km southwest of Pokrovsk. Russian forces are attempting to bypass the city and cut off Ukrainian supply lines. They are also leveling the front near Zelene, south of the city. Russian artillery disrupted a Ukrainian rotation in the Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) direction. A captured Russian soldier's account alleges that Ukrainian command is not providing adequate cover for its troops on the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike operation in the Pokrovsk direction, targeting a Russian command post and destroying a Starlink station. Operators of drones from the "Center" group reportedly eliminated a Ukrainian observation post in the Pokrovsk direction. Operators of drones from the "Center" group continue to hunt for Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk direction. Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the Pokrovsk direction. Report of Russian forces being attacked by soldiers from the Foreign Legion under Pokrovsk.
Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk): Russian forces are advancing north of the Central Market and attacking towards the spoil heaps of the No. 10 and Toretsk mines. They have also reportedly taken new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar, advancing up to 1.5 km and securing the railway station. Russian forces are advancing near Dzerzhinsk, with fighting ongoing in the center of the town. Fighting is ongoing in Chasiv Yar, with Russian forces controlling over half the city and having now taken control of the railway station. The loss of the railway station is a significant blow to Ukrainian forces. Russian forces advancing near the Agronom farm. Russian forces improving positions in Toretsk. Russian forces capturing the railway station in Chasiv Yar. Russian forces liberated the settlement of Agronom. Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
Vremivka Direction: Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud, Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, Novyi Komar, Novopustynka, Neskuchne, Novoolenivka, and Uspenovka. They also liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne. Russian forces liberated Makarivka on December 16th and gained control over the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces liberated Novotroitske (DPR). Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and advancing on Yantarnoye, destroying a bridge over the Volchya River in the Kurakhove direction. Russian forces captured Novyi Komar and Novopustynka in the Vremivka direction. Russian forces liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne in the Vremivka direction. Russian forces liberated Makarivka on December 16th and control gained over the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces liberated Uspenovka and Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket." Russian forces liberated Neskuchne in DPR. Russian forces liberated more than 5 square kilometers of the territory of the DPR and advancing from the settlement of Zarya towards Yasenev in the Vremivka direction. Russian forces advancing west of Uspenovka. Russian forces expanding the control zone northwest of Uspenovka. Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Velyka Novosilka, destroying Russian equipment and capturing Russian soldiers. Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators. At Vremivka axis clashes yesterday near Yantarne, Vremivka, Velyka Novosilka and towards Kostyantynopil, Rozlyv and Novosilka.
Other Advances: Russian forces report advances near Terny, Vozdvyzhenka, Novoukrainka, Uspenivka, Dalne, Sontsivka, Novoelizavetivka, Vovkove, and Shevchenko. Russian forces have improved positions in Novovasylivka and Novoelizavetovka. They also advanced in Vozdvyzhenka. Russian forces have captured Peschanoe and entered Shevchenko. Russian forces advancing past the Solen River near Dachenskoye. Russian forces expanding the control zone north of Dachenskoye. Russian forces liberating Volkovo. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian military equipment and personnel near Novoelizavetivka. At Pokrovsk axis clashes yesterday near Myrolubivka, Lysivka, Novyy Trud, Pischane, Shevchenko, Uspenivka, Solone and Novovasylivka. At Kurakhivka axis clashes yesterday near Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Shevchenko, Dachne and Kurakhove.
Zaporizhzhia Front: Russian actions in the western part of Belohiria, Polohy Raion, have become known. Video evidence of Ukrainian forces dropping a flag on Russian positions near Robotyne. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove. Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater, thereby ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes. Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a forest plantation, ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes. Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one. Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater. Video footage shows the destruction of a Starlink station by the "Southern Front" group. Video footage shows the destruction of an enemy UAV control point by drone operators of the 36th Army. At Orikhiv axis clashes yesterday near Novoandriyivka.
Kharkiv Region
Bohodukhiv and Zolochiv Districts: Heavy shelling is reported, with Russian forces utilizing aviation and drones. Six explosions were reported in Bohodukhiv and 11 in Zolochiv. In Kivsharivka, Kupiansk district, a 51-year-old woman was killed by artillery shelling. A multi-story residential building was also damaged.
Volchansk and Kupyansk: Russian forces launched a new offensive near Volchansk, crossing the Volchya River and establishing a bridgehead. Fighting continues near Kupyansk, with reports of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian positions. Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy three Russian field howitzers near Volchansk. 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. Video footage shows the destruction of a group of the so-called "Caucasus Legion" near Lysivka. A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction. Operators of drones from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab" on the Kupyansk front. A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region. Video footage shows the destruction of a German Leopard 1 tank by Russian FPV drones "VT-40". Video evidence shows the destruction of a Ukrainian UAV control point by the 1194th Motorized Rifle Regiment. 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. The OSGT "Khortytsia" reported that the Russians stormed in Volchansk in the Kharkiv direction, as well as in the area of Zahryzove, Dvorichna and Kruhlyakivka in the Kupyansk direction. At Kharkiv axis clashes yesterday near Vovchansk. At Kupyansk axis clashes yesterday near Zapadne, Dvorichna and Kruhlyakivka.
Evacuations: 28 people, including one child, were evacuated from the Kupiansk and Borivskyi directions.
Kursk Region
Sudzhansky District: Russian forces are making progress in the forests and near Leonidovo and Kurilovka. Ukrainian reserves, including foreign mercenaries, are reportedly being transferred to the region.
Advances: Russian forces report reaching Kurylivka, south of Sudzha, and making advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka. They also liberated Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, Kamyshovka, Lozova, and Novovasylivka. In the Kursk region, Russian forces have reportedly secured a foothold in Cherkaska Konopelka and made progress in the wooded areas of the Sudzhansky district. There are reports that Russian forces are advancing towards Sudzha from the east, following their liberation of Cherkaska Konopelka and progress in Makhnovka. Video and photographic evidence confirm the liberation of Lozova by Russian forces. Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region. 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. Russian forces entering Makhnovka. Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha. Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region. Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region. Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region. A Russian soldier detonated a grenade near his head after being attacked by a Ukrainian FPV drone in Kursk Oblast. Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region. In Kursk region Ukrainian forces have repelled 10 Russian army assaults.
Krasnolimansky Direction
Ivanovka: A buildup of Russian forces is noted on the newly formed bridgehead on the right bank of the Zherebets River. They are attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny.
Zahryzove: Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
Terny: Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny. Russian forces controlling most of Terny. At Lyman axis clashes yesterday near Nadiya, Makiyivka, Terny, Hryhorivka and Serebryanskyi forest.
Drone Warfare
Extensive Use: Both sides are extensively using drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attack missions.
Ukrainian Air Defenses: Reported shooting down 60 out of 93 Russian drones launched overnight, with 26 "locationally lost" due to active countermeasures. They also report shooting down numerous other drones across various regions. Ukrainian Air Force reports that overnight, Russian forces attacked with 43 drones, 21 of which were shot down and 22 missed their targets. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones, with drones on the border of Vinnitsa and Kyiv oblasts moving southwest, drones in northern Kyiv moving west, drones north of Poltava moving northwest, drones in northern Sumy constantly changing course, and drones south of Sumy moving east. Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv. Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.
Russian Drone Attacks: New reports of drone threats in multiple Ukrainian oblasts, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, and Kirovohrad. The Ukrainian Air Force reported a threat of enemy drone attacks from the east in Sumy Oblast and from the south in Mykolaiv Oblast. Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Russia: Numerous drones destroyed over Voronezh, Bryansk, Rostov, Kaluga, Kursk, Orlov, Belgorod, Volgograd, and Lipetsk regions. Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region. Reports of drone attacks on an oil depot in Smolensk Oblast, with the local governor claiming "debris" fell. Reports of loud explosions in Sevastopol overnight, with claims of drone attacks. A drone was reportedly shot down over a training ground in North Ossetia. Vladikavkaz airport was closed for arrivals and departures. 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. Reports that a drone was shot down over a training ground in North Ossetia, causing the closure of Vladikavkaz airport. Reports that a drone was shot down over a training ground in North Ossetia, causing the closure of Vladikavkaz airport. Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight. Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight. Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight. Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight. Drone Attack on Bryansk Oblast. Reports that a Ukrainian drone was shot down over Bryansk Oblast, with no casualties or damage reported. Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight.
Drone attacks on Sumy: Rescuers showed the aftermath of a Russian drone attack on Sumy. The drone hit a two-story house, causing a fire. An elderly couple lived in the house. Fortunately, no one was injured. Firefighters also rescued a dog.
Drone attacks on Belgorod: In the Shebekinsky district, a civilian was injured as a result of shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. A man with a shrapnel wound to the chest was taken by ambulance to the regional clinical hospital. All necessary assistance is provided. In Shebekino, a concrete fence and two GAZelles were damaged at one of the enterprises. In the village of Maslova Pristan, a hangar of a production enterprise was damaged as a result of a drone attack.
Drone attack on Sumy: Ukrainian air defense forces are operating in the region. An air alert has been declared in the region.
Drone movement near Kyiv: A UAV is moving in the southwestern part of Chernihiv region, heading towards Kyiv region.
FPV Drones: In the Kursk border area, reconnaissance of the Anvar special forces is operating, which has a lot of different FPV drones. These are fiber-optic drones, radio-controlled drones, and drones with AI, said the commander of the reconnaissance detachment with the call sign Beret to RT military commander Alexander Yaremchuk. At 01:00 and 01:26 - this is the current situation in the border area and this is how the enemy behaves. At 02:01 - the scouts send a "bird" with fiber optics to the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is useless to influence it with electronic warfare. At 02:47, 02:51, 02:56 - successful operation of drones.
Ukrainian POV on Europe wanting to return Ukrainian non-working refugees: Europe wants to return home Ukrainians who do not work and do not pay taxes, - President Zelenskyy. "I tell them, look, let's put it this way: a little more air defense and I'll say - come back everyone. But I will return everyone, not just those who do not work for you. And they say: no, let those who work for us work, and let this part return," - the President.
Ukrainian drone attack preparation: Ukraine is preparing to hit Moscow with its own Trembita missiles, - The Telegraph. Cost - about $10,000 per unit; Length - 2 m, weight - 90 kg; Capable of carrying 18 kg of explosives at a distance of up to 144 km.
Russian drone and artillery attack: The combined operation of the UAV and D-30 howitzer crews of the Russian Armed Forces to destroy a mortar crew and a Armed Forces of Ukraine ammunition depot near the village of Orekhov in the Zaporozhye direction.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks: Ukrainian forces conducted a drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian communication tower and a supply depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Ukrainian forces used drones to target Russian positions in the Kurakhove direction. Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk. Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a German Leopard 1 tank. Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to shoot down an enemy UAV. Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, causing damage to the market and injuring 8 civilians, 7 of them being hospitalized.
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. Operators of drones from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab". Marines used UAVs to locate and eliminate a Baba Yaga-type heavy drone in the Kakhovka direction. 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.
Other Drone Warfare Mentions: Ukrainian forces equipped with two shotguns shot down Russian Mavik drones. "Phoenix" unit of the "Revenge" brigade repelled an assault by occupiers near Kurdyumivka in the Bakhmut area. Latvia plans to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and allocate 20 million euros for drone procurement in 2025. Video evidence of drone attacks on Ukrainian forces personnel. Video evidence shows the destruction of a Ukrainian UAV control point by the 1194th Motorized Rifle Regiment. Video evidence shows a mobile, vehicle-mounted "Repellent-Patrul" anti-drone system. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires. Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road. Video footage shows the destruction of a German Leopard 1 tank by Russian FPV drones "VT-40". Video footage shows the destruction of an enemy UAV control point by drone operators of the 36th Army. Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory. A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. A Ukrainian drone reportedly struck a Russian helicopter using an R-73 missile. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. Operators БпЛА 22-ї ОМБр destroy the enemy in his territory. This time, they managed to hit the starting position of enemy drones, set fire to a dugout and destroy the enemy's camouflaged position, hit the place where enemy personnel were concentrated, and shoot down an enemy reconnaissance drone.
Other Significant Developments
Potential Collapse of Ukrainian Defense: The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) reports that the West does not rule out an early collapse of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' defense and notes a decline in Ukraine's ability to resist the Russian army.
Mobilization Age in Ukraine: The SVR also reports that a decision has been prepared to reduce the mobilization age to 18 in Ukraine and will be made soon.
Refugee Crisis: Eastern European countries are preparing to receive new waves of Ukrainian refugees after the mobilization age is lowered.
Transnistria: All industrial enterprises in Transnistria have reportedly ceased operations due to a lack of energy resources following the cessation of Russian gas supplies.
Oil Depot Strikes: Ukrainian forces struck another oil depot of the Russian occupiers, "Yartsevskaya" in the Smolensk region.
Captured Equipment: Russian forces captured an "International MaxxPro" and a "Kozak" armored vehicle from Ukrainian forces.
Black Sea: One Russian missile carrier is present in the Black Sea, but without Kalibr missiles. No enemy ships are observed in the Azov Sea.
Shooting at a hotel in Kyiv: The incident occurred on November 23, 2024 at the Sky Loft hotel in Pechersk, Kyiv. Conflicts between groups of men escalated into a fight. One of the participants pulled out a pistol and fired, wounding a hotel security guard and two visitors. Another hotel visitor died on the spot from a gunshot wound. Law enforcement officers served charges of hooliganism to three more participants in the conflict at the hotel - two friends of the deceased and a hotel visitor.
Destruction of Ukrainian positions in Kharkiv region: In the Kharkiv region, the enemy destroyed some positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, - OSGT "Khortytsia". "As a result of fire, some positions of our troops were destroyed. Measures are being taken to prevent the deterioration of the tactical situation," the message reads.
Strategic Overview from prior update: The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Russian forces continue to make advances, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. They are leveraging their advantage in drone warfare, with widespread use of FPV drones and confirmed reports of AI integration into Shahed drones. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal towards the Dnipro River in some areas, employing counter-drone measures and inflicting losses on Russian troops and equipment. The withdrawal is focused on the areas around Novooleksandrivka, Novoselivka Persha, and Sokil.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Raid Alerts Lifted in Kyiv: Air raid alerts have been lifted in Kyiv, indicating a temporary de-escalation in the immediate threat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
