Russian forces maintain offensive operations in the Donetsk region, particularly around Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Toretsk, with the latter two under significant Russian control.
Ukrainian defenses in Toretsk are critically compromised, with less than 15% of the city under Ukrainian control. Reports indicate that 90% of the city is now under Russian control.
The capture of Kurakhove represents a substantial Russian gain, facilitating further advances towards Pokrovsk. Ukrainian journalist Butusov reports that the city is "factually lost."
A major Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region has resulted in severe losses, with Russian forces repelling Ukrainian counterattacks and regaining territory.
Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature of the conflict, employed extensively by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
A new drone attack is reported on Engels, Saratov region of Russia, with the governor acknowledging a downed drone and debris impacting an industrial facility. Reports indicate damage to a local oil depot in Engels and a massive drone attack on Saratov. Geolocation confirms the target as the "Kristall" federal state enterprise, which stores aviation fuel for the "Engels-2" airbase.
The Ukrainian General Staff reports 128 combat clashes since the beginning of the day, with a focus on the Pokrovsk, Kurakhiv, and Kursk directions.
Belarus has reportedly increased its military presence near the Ukrainian border, with ground units deployed to the Stolin, Lelchytsky, Mozyr, and Gomel regions. This could signal a potential escalation or preparation for further military action, increasing pressure on Ukraine's northern border.
The Ukrainian Air Force has issued a threat of aerial attacks on the Donetsk region.
The new messages indicate that a Rheinmetall IFV will be tested on Ukrainian soil.
Ukrainian air defense forces reportedly shot down 41 out of 64 drones, with 22 drones described as "locationally lost" (not reaching their targets). Three of the "lost" drones flew towards Russia, and one towards Belarus.
Key Developments
Donetsk Region
Toretsk Situation Critical: Ukrainian control in Toretsk is reduced to under 15%, with Russian forces advancing into the western and northern parts. Reports indicate that 90% of the city is now under Russian control.
Kurakhove Captured: Russian forces have completely captured Kurakhove, enabling further offensives towards Pokrovsk. Ukrainian journalist Butusov reports that the city is "factually lost."
Shevchenko Captured: The 114th brigade of Russian forces has reportedly liberated Shevchenko, continuing their advance beyond Kurakhove.
Intensified Attacks near Pokrovsk: Russian forces are intensifying attacks on the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway, a crucial Ukrainian logistics artery, and making progress in Novovasylivka, Yelizavetovka, and Baranovka.
ISW Assessment: The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) considers the encirclement of Pokrovsk a key Russian operational goal.
Russian forces are making gains near several settlements, including Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, Ukrainka, Novyi Trud, Ivan-Daryevka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, Myrolyubivka, Vodyane Druhe, Baranivka, Zelene Pole, and Tymofiivka.
On the Kramatorsk direction, Ukrainian forces repelled six attacks near Vasyukovka, Bondarnoye, Chasov Yar, and Stupochki, with five clashes ongoing.
On the Toretsk direction, three Russian attacks were reported near Toretsk, with one ongoing.
On the Pokrovsk direction, supported by aviation, Russian forces initiated 28 clashes of varying intensity, with Ukrainian forces repelling attacks near Tarasovka, Vodyanoye Vtoroye, Elizavetovka, Promin, Lysovka, Sukhoi Yar, Zelenoye, Novy Trud, and Pokrovsk. Five clashes are ongoing.
On the Kurakhiv direction, fierce battles are ongoing near Sribnoye, Andreevka, Kurakhovo, and Dachnoye, with 14 enemy attacks repelled.
In the Krasnoarmiisk direction (right flank), Russian units have advanced towards Vodyane Druhe and Tarasovka, with ongoing battles for Baranovka and Yelyzavetivka.
Other Key Locations:
Lysivka: Russian forces report further advances of 500m towards the central part of the village.
Sukhoi Yar: Fighting continues in the area.
Southwest of Pokrovsk: Russian troops are advancing from Pisky towards the T-0406 highway and the railway line.
Volkovo: Russian artillery reportedly destroyed an enemy ammunition depot. The settlement was subsequently captured by Russian forces.
Vozdvyzhenka: After capturing the settlement, Russian forces are advancing further and have reportedly dislodged Ukrainian forces from a stronghold near the road.
Krasnoarmiisk Direction: Positional fighting continues in the Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka direction.
Belogorovka: Russian forces report successful advances by the 7th Brigade in Belogorovka.
Chasiv Yar: Russian forces report they have taken new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar, advancing up to 1.5 km.
Velyka Novosilka: Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators.
Sukhoi Yar: Soldiers of the 68th Army Corps destroyed a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Sukhoi Yar.
Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area of Kharkiv Oblast.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
A Russian tank destroyed one Ukrainian tank near Yelyzavetivka, east of Pokrovsk.
Kursk Region
Ukrainian Offensive Stalled: The Ukrainian offensive faces strong resistance, with Russian forces reporting the repulsion of Ukrainian counterattacks and claiming to have inflicted heavy losses.
Russian Advances: Russian forces are making advances in the Sudzha area, particularly near Makhnovka and Leonidovo, which has been taken under Russian control. Russian forces report significant advances of several kilometers.
Heavy Losses: Both sides are suffering significant losses, with Ukrainian casualties estimated at 48,000.
Continued Fighting: Fighting continues near Berdin and Malaya Loknya. Russian forces are making advances in Nikolaevo-Daryino and Russkoye Porechnoye.
Reports indicate that Russian forces have advanced in Makhnovka and are moving towards Zamostye.
Russian forces are pushing Ukrainian forces out of Novosotnitskoe and Berdino.
British intelligence reports that Russian losses in December 2024 reached a new monthly maximum, with 48,670 soldiers killed or wounded. A record single-day loss of 2,200 Russian troops was reported on December 19.
The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Ukrainian forces carried out a precision strike on a Russian command post in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces struck the command post of the Russian 810th Separate Marine Brigade in the Kursk region.
On the Kursk direction, Ukrainian forces repelled 27 attacks, with the enemy also conducting six airstrikes with 17 KABs and 146 artillery shellings, including six from multiple rocket launchers.
The "Archangel of Special Forces Z" reported that the situation in the Kursk region is stable, with enemy infantry attempting to gain positions in nearby forests and settlements.
Russian forces have captured Leonidovo.
Russian forces continue to push Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region. The settlement of Makhnovka was liberated, and Russian troops advanced towards Zamostye, engaging enemy positions.
Geolocation of battles in the Kursk region has been established, indicating the areas where Ukrainian forces attacked.
Russian forces report that the Sudzha border area (Berdin and surroundings) has been cleared.
Ukrainian units involved are identified as the 95th, 92nd, 22nd, 82nd, and 225th Brigades (partially).
Russian forces are eliminating remaining Ukrainian troops near Berdin.
Russian forces have almost captured Makhnovka and Alexandria.
Russian forces are completing the clearing of Berdin.
The 30th Motorized Rifle Division has reportedly eliminated all remaining Ukrainian troops in Berdin and its surroundings.
Russian forces report further advances towards Malaya Loknya.
Russian assault groups are operating in Malaya Loknya.
The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Ukrainian forces have repelled over 40 Russian attacks in the Kursk region.
Russian paratroopers are reportedly pushing Ukrainian forces out of Makhnovka and Dmitryukov in the Kursk region.
Kruhlenky: The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive, storming Kruglenkoye and advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Cherkasskoye Porechnoye: Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Enemy groups attempted to infiltrate from Cherkasskoye Porechnoye but were repelled by artillery fire.
Ukrainian Infiltration Attempts: Ukrainian reserves are being brought into Lebedevka and Sverdlikovo, with the use of "Baba Yaga" agricultural drones for reconnaissance.
Russian forces report they have taken new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar, advancing up to 1.5 km.
Luhansk Region
Russian forces are attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny and are storming Zahryzove.
Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
They destroyed about 10 Ukrainian soldiers and entered a large stronghold west of Ivanovka.
Russian forces have occupied Lozova and are attempting to advance towards Nova Kruhliakivka.
The Ukrainian General Staff publishes footage showing a Russian column being attacked 2.05 km east of Nova Kruhliakivka.
Drone Warfare and Aerial Attacks
Extensive Drone Activity: Drone warfare continues to be a major factor, with widespread drone activity across multiple oblasts, including Sumy, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Mykolaiv.
Ukrainian Successes: Ukrainian forces report successful drone strikes on Russian targets, including the destruction of Russian drones and a command post.
Russian Drone Attacks: Russian drones are targeting multiple regions, including Chernihiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk.
Ukrainian Air Defense: Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones, with reports of successful interceptions. Overnight, Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 10 Russian drones over Cherkasy Oblast and 28 out of 38 Russian drones overall.
Air Force Activity: The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian drones in the Chernihiv region.
Missile Attacks: Reports indicate the use of high-speed missiles, potentially KN-23 type, targeting Chernihiv.
New Drone Activity:
Zhytomyr Oblast: Drones are reported in the northern part, moving west.
Kyiv Oblast: Drones are present in the northern part, moving west.
Chernihiv Oblast: Drones are observed in the northern and southern parts, moving west. A drone is reported on the northeast of Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest. City of Pryluky (Chernihiv Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast.
Sumy Oblast: Two drones are heading towards Romny, and one towards Lypova Dolyna. Drones in the north of Sumy region, course - south-west.
Kirovohrad Oblast: Drones are present in the eastern part, moving southwest.
Kharkiv Oblast: Drones are reported to be moving from Kharkiv Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: One drone is reported to be in the Kryvyi Rih district, and another is flying over Dolynska.
Poltava Oblast: One drone is reported to be circling south of Poltava. Drones in the west of Poltava region, course - west / southwest; Drones in the center of Chernihiv region, course - south / south-west; Drones in the east of Kyiv region, course - west / north-west.
Cherkasy Oblast: One drone was reported in the eastern part, constantly changing course. Enemy drone is moving in the direction of Cherkasy from the southeast. One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Two drones west of Poltava, moving northwest. Five drones near Konotop, moving southwest.
Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
Reports of drone movements in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv Oblasts.
340 additional drones have been procured by Ukrainian forces thanks to donations, bringing the total to 134,114 FPV drones.
Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.
Explosions were reported in Cherkasy and its outskirts.
Drone Warfare: A video shows the elimination of a group of Russian soldiers using FPV drones by the 110th Mechanized Brigade.
Kursk Region Fighting: Geolocation of battles in the Kursk region has been established, indicating the areas where Ukrainian forces attacked.
Drone Activity in Sumy Oblast: Ukrainian air defense forces reportedly shot down 12 Shahed drones over Sumy Oblast during the night.
Drone Warfare: Overnight, 32 Ukrainian drones were shot down over seven regions of the Russian Federation and the waters of the Sea of Azov.
Drone Warfare: A new drone attack is reported on Engels, with reports suggesting the target is an oil depot. The governor of the Saratov region confirmed that an operational headquarters has been set up at the site of the fire in Engels. New reports confirm that drones attacked an oil depot in Engels, Saratov region, causing a fire. Geolocation confirms the target as the "Kristall" federal state enterprise, which stores aviation fuel for the "Engels-2" airbase.
Fiber-Optic Guided Drones: Ukrainian forces are utilizing fiber-optic guided FPV drones in Pokrovsk, targeting military vehicles.
Riverine Drones: Ukrainian forces are reportedly using riverine drones in the Dnipro River basin, although their range and speed are limited compared to maritime drones.
Drone Warfare Intensification: The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line, using a variety of drones, including fiber-optic and AI-equipped ones.
Drone Strikes: Drone operators of the 36th Army of the "Vostok" group reportedly struck a concentration of enemy personnel near Velyka Novosilka. Drone operators of the 80th separate reconnaissance battalion "Sparta" destroyed an 82-mm mortar and a field ammunition depot of the enemy near Dzerzhinsk. Ukrainian drone operators targeted the Russian city of Sudzha with bombs and missiles. A Ukrainian drone attack on Horlivka injured seven civilians.
Increased Activity: Increased activity of Russian tactical aviation is reported in the north-eastern direction.
Threat of Shahed Drones: A threat of Shahed drones is reported in Kharkiv and Sumy Oblasts.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts were activated in several regions of Ukraine due to the threat of ballistic missile usage. Air raid alerts were also issued in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv oblasts due to the threat of missile attacks.
Russian Airstrikes: Russian forces conducted airstrikes on Ukrainian positions in Izium, Kharkiv Oblast. Russian forces are also launching guided aerial bombs in Sumy Oblast.
Zolochiv Airstrikes: At least 30 houses, two apartment buildings, power lines, and a car were damaged in Russian airstrikes on Zolochiv, Kharkiv Oblast. A 61-year-old woman suffered an acute stress reaction.
Drone operators of the 80th separate reconnaissance battalion "Sparta" destroyed an 82-mm mortar and a field ammunition depot of the enemy near Dzerzhinsk.
Ukrainian drone operators targeted the Russian city of Sudzha with bombs and missiles.
Ukrainian drone operators targeted the Russian city of Sudzha with bombs and missiles.
Geopolitical Developments
Zelensky's Statements: Zelensky has held numerous meetings, including with the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the Foreign Intelligence Service, to discuss available aid packages, Ukraine's needs, and preparations for the upcoming Ramstein meeting. Additionally, he discussed details of Ukraine's work with the EU regarding the negotiation process for membership, emphasizing the importance of this year being result-oriented in these negotiations.
Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest that German Chancellor Scholz may meet with Russian President Putin before February 23.
US Aid: A new US military aid package for Ukraine is expected to be announced soon, but the US has indicated that they will not be able to provide all military aid to Ukraine before January 20th.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has officially supported the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, stating that it is an important operation to strengthen Kyiv's position before future negotiations with Moscow.
Reports from "Novinite" suggest that Putin may consider allowing Ukraine to join NATO under certain conditions, including the withdrawal of US military bases from Eastern Europe and the partial lifting of economic sanctions against Russia.
New US Military Aid Package: The Biden administration is set to announce a "substantial" final weapons package for Ukraine during the upcoming "Ramstein" meeting. The exact amount is unknown, but approximately $4 billion remains unspent, although the aid will not cover the entire remaining sum. It is suggested that "over a couple of billion dollars" may be left for the new Trump administration to provide to Ukraine, if they choose to do so.
Trump's Statements on Ukraine: Trump has reiterated his claim that Russia's actions in Ukraine were a result of the perceived incompetence of the Biden administration, particularly citing the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. He also stated that he "understands Russia's feelings" regarding Ukraine's potential NATO membership and emphasized that the conflict would end under his administration.
Trump's Statements on NATO and Ukraine: Trump has expressed his support for the view that Ukraine should not be a part of NATO, aligning with Russia's stance on the issue.
Trump's Plan to End the War: Trump has stated that he hopes to end the war in Ukraine within six months, a change from his previous claim of 24 hours.
Rheinmetall IFV: The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports that Rheinmetall will begin field testing its new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in Ukraine. Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, confirmed plans to start producing these IFVs in Ukraine. Currently, Lynx IFVs are manufactured in Hungary and are undergoing tests in Italy.
US Special Representative's Visit Postponed: The US Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has postponed his visit to Kyiv until after Trump's inauguration.
NATO Maritime Security: NATO countries are forming the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) to protect underwater infrastructure, using British software to monitor specific vessels, including those suspected of being part of a "shadow fleet."
EU Crisis: The Financial Times reports that the EU is facing a security crisis due to Russia and Trump's indifference to Europe.
Apple CEO's Potential Donation to Trump's Inauguration: Tim Cook is reportedly planning to donate $1 million to Donald Trump's inauguration.
Legal Action Against Von Der Leyen: A Belgian court will consider whether European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has legal immunity against corruption allegations.
Serbia's Energy Supply: Serbia is seeking new oil and gas supply routes due to the threat of US sanctions.
Czech Republic Military Aid: The Czech Republic issued 40 permits for Czech citizens to fight for Ukraine in the past year.
US Congress confirms Trump's victory: The US Congress has confirmed Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election.
Macron on Iran's Nuclear Program: French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Iran's nuclear program is "approaching the point of no return."
Potential Ceasefire in 2025: A Ukrainian political analyst suggested that the "hot phase" of the war could potentially end in 2025.
Trump-Xi Contact: Trump has reportedly been in contact with Xi Jinping and hopes for a mutual understanding.
Medvedev's Statement on Zelensky: Dmitry Medvedev has intensified his rhetoric against Zelensky.
Hungarian Foreign Minister's Statement: Hungary has resumed the operation of its embassy in Syria.
Other Significant Developments
Casualty Reports: Ukrainian forces report significant Russian casualties, while Russian sources claim even heavier Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region, reaching 48,000.
Troop Mobilization: Ukraine has reportedly mobilized 200,000 troops in 2024, falling short of the 500,000 called for by former Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny.
The Ukrainian Parliament is considering a bill on the deployment of Ukrainian Armed Forces to other states.
More than 100 Russian soldiers from occupied Crimea have been taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces.
Environmental Concerns: Oil spills from sunken tankers in the Black Sea have reached the coasts of Crimea, causing the deaths of dolphins.
Ukrainian Military App: The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is developing a military ID within the "Army+" app.
Two people were injured: Two people were injured after a drone attack on the village of Rzhevka in the Belgorod region.
Poet and songwriter killed: Russian poet and songwriter Oleg Gegelsky was killed in the special operation zone at the age of 60.
Russian Military Claims: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have repelled a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region, destroying 11 Ukrainian drones.
Updated Casualties in Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Over the past day, Russian forces carried out 426 strikes on 12 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Updated Casualties in Kherson Oblast: Over the past day, Russian forces killed two civilians and wounded nine in Kherson Oblast.
During storms, Russia lost almost half of the barriers made of barges near the Crimean Bridge and is not trying to restore them.
According to local channels, 18 barges remain near the bridge, while on November 8, 2024, 34 interconnected vessels were recorded on both sides of the navigable channel in the Kerch Strait.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down by S-400 and "Pantsir-SM" air defense systems.
Russian State Secretary Blinken reported that US intelligence had data that Putin was considering a nuclear strike scenario, but China likely restrained him.
In Melitopol and Tokmak, a missile alert has been issued.
Belarus has reportedly increased its military presence near the Ukrainian border. Ground units have been deployed to the Stolin, Lelchytsky, Mozyr, and Gomel regions. This could signal a potential escalation or preparation for further military action.
The Ukrainian Air Force has issued a threat of aerial attacks on the Donetsk region.
Propaganda and Public Image: A video of a 15-year-old Ukrainian girl criticizing Ukraine and praising Russia has gone viral, leading to a visit from the SBU and National Police. The girl subsequently apologized and expressed a desire to be a patriot like her mother.
The liberation of Berdin and Russkoe Porechnoye, as well as attacks by Russian forces, are reported.
A new report indicates that a Rheinmetall IFV will be tested on Ukrainian soil.
Over the past day, Russian forces carried out 426 strikes on 12 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including 2 airstrikes on Piatykhatky and Mala Tokmachka, 241 drone attacks on various locations, 8 MLRS attacks on Lobkove, Novodanylivka, Malynivka, and Novodarivka, and 166 artillery strikes on various locations. Three reports of damage to residential buildings and infrastructure were received.
Mobilization Challenges: Reports indicate unlawful conscription of employees from a critical enterprise in the Mykolaiv region. The Ukrainian word of the year for 2024, "busification," reflects the forced and accelerated mobilization process.
Naval Activity: The Ukrainian Navy reports ongoing naval operations, with a focus on the Mediterranean Sea and continued use of the Kerch Strait by Russian forces.
North Korean Missile Test: North Korea reportedly launched a suspected ballistic missile. Kim Jong-un asserts that the new missile can overcome Western air defense systems.
Incidents in Russia: A gas explosion occurred in a residential building in Petrozavodsk, Russia. Telephone scammers are targeting Russian citizens by falsely accusing them of financing the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Underwater Cables Damaged: Two underwater cables between Finland and Estonia, damaged in late December, have been repaired. Finnish authorities suspect the tanker Eagle S of damaging the cables with its anchor.
Fundraising for Ukrainian Forces: The "DeepState" channel announced a successful fundraising campaign to procure Mavic 3T drones for the 22nd Mechanized Brigade. A campaign is also underway to procure an EW-equipped buggy for an assault unit on the Kharkiv front.
Ukrainian Veteran Support: 8,000 Ukrainian veterans and their families have received "Ya-Veteran" cards, which provide discounts at businesses in Kryvyi Rih.
Internal Russian Developments: A scandal involving Russian deputies criticizing those fighting against illegal migration has escalated internal political tensions. Russian authorities have begun confiscating assets belonging to former minister Abyzov, amounting to nearly 24 billion rubles.
Alleged Information Leak: There are reports of an alleged leak of information about the Kursk counteroffensive, which may have contributed to its failure.
Ukrainian Soldier Captured: A captured Ukrainian soldier's video provides insights into potential shortcomings in Ukrainian military training, planning, and communication.
Air Defense Success: Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 28 out of 38 Russian drones launched overnight.
Access Denied: The mother of a wounded Ukrainian soldier who exposed command fraud is being denied access to her son in the hospital.
Gas Reserves in Europe: Gas reserves in European underground storage facilities have fallen below 70%, with withdrawal rates 30% higher than the average for the previous five years.
New Advisor to Ukrainian Minister of Defense: Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov has appointed Oleksandr Kubrakov as his freelance advisor.
Patriarch Kirill's Sermon: Patriarch Kirill gave a Christmas sermon in which he proclaimed an "alternative path of civilizational development" for Russia and criticized the "sins" of the West.
Calendar with "Archangel of Special Forces": A calendar featuring the "Archangel of Special Forces" is being distributed among Russian soldiers and their supporters.
Ukrainian Special Forces Kill North Korean Soldiers: Ukrainian special forces reportedly killed 13 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region.
North Korea's Hypersonic Missile Claim: North Korea claims to have successfully launched a new hypersonic missile.
Criticism of Western Countries: Western countries are criticized for not preventing their microelectronics components from reaching North Korea and Russia.
Continued Shelling of Alyoshki: A civilian was killed in Alyoshki, Kherson Oblast, due to shelling by Ukrainian forces.
Russian Military Medic Honored: Major of Medical Service Denis Fedyunin reportedly saved over 30 Russian soldiers under fire and shot down two FPV drones with small arms.
Ukrainian Forces Seek Help for Vehicle Repairs: Medics from the 47th Mechanized Brigade are seeking financial assistance to repair vehicles used for evacuating wounded soldiers.
Destruction of Russian Tank: Ukrainian forces from the 63rd Brigade destroyed a Russian tank near Lyman.
Christmas Greetings from "Archangel of Special Forces": A video message from the "Archangel of Special Forces" extended Christmas greetings to followers.
Alleged Gift of North Korean Artillery to Russia: A video purportedly shows a North Korean 170-mm self-propelled gun, "Koksan," in a Russian position, with the caption claiming it was a gift from Kim Jong-un.
Putin's Phone Call with a Girl from Horlivka: Russian President Vladimir Putin made a phone call to a 15-year-old girl from Horlivka, fulfilling her wish to visit St. Petersburg.
Drop in Trust in Zelensky: A poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS) shows that trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has nearly halved since the beginning of the war.
Regional Disparities in Trust: Trust in Zelensky is higher in the west of Ukraine (60%) compared to the south (46%) and east (42%).
North Korean Missile Test: North Korea claims to have successfully launched a new hypersonic missile that reached 12 times the speed of sound and a maximum altitude of 99.8 kilometers.
Propaganda Video of Putin: A video of Russian President Vladimir Putin attending a religious service at a memorial church is being used to bolster national identity and moral justification for current military actions.
Propaganda Video with Church Leader: Another video shows Putin meeting with the Russian Orthodox Church leader, where religious objects are blessed for distribution to military commanders.
Analysis of Iranian Air Defense Drills: Images from Iranian media show the use of various air defense systems during drills near a nuclear site.
Analysis of Missile Launch Image: An image likely depicts the launch of a rocket-propelled projectile or missile, suggesting possible military operations.
Analysis of Iranian Mobile Air Defense System: An image shows a deployed Iranian mobile air defense system, indicating readiness for operations in an arid environment.
Analysis of Mobile Missile Launch System: An image depicts a mobile missile launch system deployed in a mountainous region, suggesting an active area denial or counter-air strategy.
Analysis of Mobile SAM System: An image shows a mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system deployed in a desert environment, indicating air defense capabilities.
Analysis of Nighttime Missile Launch: An image depicts a nighttime missile launch from a mobile truck platform, indicating an active offensive capability.
Analysis of Mobile Radar System: An image shows a mobile radar system deployed in an arid, mountainous environment, suggesting ongoing military operations requiring air surveillance and potential air defense capabilities.
Analysis of Missile/Drone Launch: An image depicts a highly mobile launch system firing a guided missile or drone, emphasizing the capability to conduct precision strikes at extended ranges.
Analysis of News Article on NATO Expansion: A news article suggests a potential shift in Russia's stance on NATO expansion, indicating that Putin might accept Ukraine joining NATO if the US withdraws its military bases from Eastern Europe.
Analysis of North Korean Missile Launch: An image depicts the launch of a ballistic missile, likely conducted by North Korea, serving as a public display of military capability.
Analysis of Russian Military Medic: An image portrays a Russian military medic within the context of an active military operation, emphasizing the importance of medical support.
Analysis of Ukrainian Vehicle Repair Request: A video shows damaged Ukrainian military vehicles and a soldier's request for financial assistance for repairs, highlighting the logistical challenges facing Ukraine.
Analysis of Drone Strike on Vehicle: A video documents a military operation in Ukraine in which a drone is used to identify, target, and destroy a moving vehicle.
Analysis of Russian Orthodox Church Video: A video shows a winter scene of a Russian Orthodox church, with religious imagery and the ringing of church bells, but it has minimal direct relevance to ongoing military operations.
Analysis of Alleged Gift of North Korean Artillery: A video purportedly shows a North Korean 170-mm self-propelled gun, "Koksan," in a Russian position.
Analysis of Putin in a Working Environment: An image portrays Vladimir Putin in a moment of active communication, likely related to ongoing military operations.
Analysis of Graph Showing Declining Trust in Zelensky: A graph shows fluctuating public trust in President Zelensky, with a decline since the initial surge of support following the Russian invasion.
Analysis of Graph Showing Regional Trust in Zelensky: A graph reveals regional disparities in trust for President Zelensky, with the West exhibiting the highest level of support and the East the lowest.
Analysis of Ukrainian Security Operation: An image depicts an individual apprehended by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), indicating ongoing efforts to neutralize threats to national security.
Analysis of Seized Communication Equipment: An image shows a large number of mobile phones, SIM cards, a laptop, and an audio recorder, suggesting a potential communication hub used in military operations or criminal activities.
Analysis of Poem and Drawing: A poem and drawing depict a soldier in a trench during Christmas, highlighting the human aspect of war.
Analysis of Damaged Church and Fundraising Appeal: A video shows a damaged church in Russia and an appeal for donations for its restoration, highlighting the impact of the conflict on cultural heritage.
Analysis of Russian EOD Operations: A video depicts a Russian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team clearing mines and other explosive devices in a recently liberated area.
Analysis of Alleged Shelling of Russian Cities: A chat conversation suggests the possibility of Russian forces attacking Russian cities, potentially as a false flag operation or due to internal conflict.
Analysis of Ukrainian Counteroffensive in Kursk Region: A text describes a significant setback for Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, with Russian troops making advances and Ukrainian forces suffering heavy losses.
Analysis of Makeshift Stretcher: A video shows soldiers transporting a wounded individual on a makeshift stretcher, highlighting potential issues with medical supplies and evacuation resources.
Analysis of Territory Control in Kursk Oblast: An image depicts a line graph showing a decline in the area controlled by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk Oblast, suggesting a successful Russian counter-offensive.
Analysis of Earthquake Aftermath in Tibet: Images and a video depict the aftermath of a powerful earthquake in Tibet, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and the challenges for rescue operations.
Analysis of Ukrainian Air Force Operations: A brief message indicates that the Ukrainian Air Force has conducted operations against the enemy in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
Analysis of Ukrainian Security Operation (2): Images depict members of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU
