Updated Situation Analysis - December 13, 2024 (16:00 UTC)

Key Updates in the Last Hour:

• Krasnoarmiisk Direction: Ukrainian forces launched counterattacks near Shevchenko and Novovasylivka, occupying positions on the northern outskirts and near Novovasylivka. Russian forces are responding with artillery and drone strikes. Fighting continues along the entire line south to Krasne (Sontsivka).
• Uspenovka Pocket: Reports indicate the Ukrainian forces trapped in the Uspenovka pocket have been completely defeated, with no further organized resistance.
• United States: The US completed testing of a ground-based hypersonic missile, "Dark Eagle," with a reported range of 2800 km and speed of Mach 17.
• Air Raid Alert: An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv and several other regions, including Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk, as well as Crimea.
• Drone Activity: A Russian drone was reported moving from Poltava towards Kyiv (Yahotyn).

Key Developments:

Eastern Ukraine:

• Donetsk: Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" operational-tactical group with Alexander Tarnavsky.
• Zholte: Russian forces captured Zholte. Ukrainian counterattacks failed, and Ukrainian soldiers were captured.
• Kurakhovo: Russian forces made significant advances in central Kurakhovo, secured the southeastern part of Uspenovka, and raised their flag at the Kurakhove elevator and at Veselyi Hai. They are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant and within the city's multi-story buildings. Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka, and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne. Ukrainian forces are suffering heavy losses, with a significant grouping of troops reportedly lost near Elizavetovka and Uspenovka. Russian forces have blocked the Ukrainian grouping in Uspenovka, south of Kurakhovo. Russian forces have advanced along Nagornaya-1 street on the southern outskirts of Kurakhovo and secured an area at highway O-05-10. Russian forces are beginning to clear out Annivka. Several Ukrainian units are surrounded in the "Uspenivka pocket" near Kurakhove, with no plans for withdrawal. The pocket has reportedly been eliminated. Russian forces report they have repelled 20 Ukrainian attacks. Assaults by the 255th regiment have expanded the zone of control to half of Uspenovka from the east. Russian forces have also entered Annovka.
• Pokrovsk: Russian forces advanced, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko. They are within 2km of the city outskirts, and small groups of Russian forces have infiltrated Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces report sustaining 203 attacks in the last two days in the region. Russian advances continue near Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachenske, Zoria, Kurakhove, Dachne, Katerynivka, Yelyzavetivka, Hanivka, Antonivka and Uspenivka. Russian forces have taken an outpost near Uspenovka. New information indicates a Russian advance from Starie Terny towards Dachnoe, which impacts the Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway and the western exit from Kurakhovo. Ukrainian forces report that all supply routes to Kurakhovo are under Russian fire or control. A group of Russian forces remains blocked within the Kurakhovo Thermal Power Plant, with Ukrainian forces attempting to break out. The Ukrainian military has stated that the area around Pokrovsk is still under very intense fighting, and their troops are sustaining very heavy casualties. The Ukrainian military has stated that a group of Russian forces is currently trapped inside a power plant near Kurakhovo, and their supply lines have been cut. Ukrainian forces are utilizing IMP (improvised military positions) left behind by the Russian military.
• Toretsk: Russian forces are consolidating control, controlling the Zabalok district and reportedly advancing near Dzerzhinsk, gaining control of the surrounding slag heaps and the central mine along with its spoil heaps. A new Russian offensive is underway. Fighting is ongoing on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar.
• Artemovsk Sector: Russian forces advanced near Kalinina.
• Horlivka Sector: Russian forces advanced around Scherbinovka.
• Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces advanced north of Rivnopil in the western approaches to Velyka Novosilka and destroyed a Ukrainian platoon.
• Supply Line Interdiction: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly with an airstrike and are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka. They are also targeting supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve using artillery and drones.
• Pushkino: Russian forces likely have full control of Pushkino.
• Vremevsk Direction: Russian forces advanced on the Vremevsk direction by 4 by 1.6 kilometers.
• Veselyi Hai: Russian forces have reportedly liberated the village, with ongoing efforts to clear remaining enemy positions.
• Other: The "Metinvest" metallurgical holding has stopped work at the "Shakhtoupravlenie "Pokrovskoe" coal site due to the approach of the front line.
• Konstantinopolskoye: Russian forces pushed towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye. They also cleared the eastern edge of the village and are fortifying and laying mines. A Ukrainian attempt to evacuate personnel was blocked by a minefield, destroying a Ukrainian vehicle.

Kursk Region

• Russian Gains: Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino, Novoivanovka, and Plyukhovo in the Sudzha district, taking a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo with the use of North Korean special forces.
• Combat Activities: Intense combat is ongoing in the northern part of the Sudzha district.
• Drone Warfare: Russian drone operations continue, targeting Ukrainian positions.
• Vehicle Destruction: Russian forces destroyed an M1 Abrams tank with an FPV drone and two Ukrainian vehicles with fiber optic drones near Mala Loknya.
• Ukrainian Losses: Ukrainian losses are stated to be over 200 soldiers and 2 Challenger tanks in the past 24 hours.
• Demoralization: A Russian battalion commander reported demoralization among Ukrainian forces despite the presence of elite units. Russian forces are reportedly pushing towards the town of Sudzha.

Sumy Oblast

• Air Attacks: Russian forces launched repeated guided air bomb attacks, including on Sumy.
• Drone Incursions: New groups of Russian drones entered from the Kursk region, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv, Poltava, and Pryluky. New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
• Territorial Advance: Russian forces advanced into the region near Aleksandria.
• Drone Activity: Drones are moving on the border with Poltava and Chernihiv, moving west/southwest. There is an increased presence of enemy drones in Sumy, Poltava and Chernihiv Oblasts. New groups of enemy drones are moving south in northern Chernihiv Oblast and west/southwest in central Sumy Oblast. Russian drones are now also moving toward Poltava and Chernihiv Oblasts from Sumy. New groups of Russian drones are now targeting areas in Cherkassy as well as areas in Sumy, Poltava and Chernihiv Oblasts. A new threat of drone activity has emerged in Cherkasy Oblast, with Russian drones moving in a westward direction. A hostile drone was reported moving from Poltava Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Russian drones are approaching from the north. A Russian drone was reported moving from Poltava towards Kyiv (Yahotyn).

Zaporizhzhia Oblast

• Missile Strike: A Russian quasi-ballistic missile (9M723-1 Iskander) strike hit a hospital complex, resulting in Ukrainian personnel losses and the death of a high-ranking NATO official. The death toll from the Russian missile strike on a hospital has risen to 6, with 22 injured. A video has surfaced showing a ballistic missile striking a private clinic in Zaporizhzhia on December 10th, resulting in 11 deaths.
• Increased Attacks: There were 268 attacks on 10 settlements, involving 150 drones, 8 Grad rocket barrages, and 109 artillery strikes. A meeting of top leadership was held to discuss the air defense of that region.
• Renewed Strikes: Russian forces renewed aviation strikes and dropped guided bombs on Stepnogirsk and Mala Tokmachka. A Russian strike on Stepnohirsk injured 3 rescuers.
• Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 14 Russian army assaults, mostly on the Zaporizhzhia direction, near Novodarivka and Novopola.

Kherson Oblast

• Drone Activity: Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast, approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
• Kherson Threat: Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
• Attacks: Russian forces attacked Mikhailovka and Nikolsky. Russian forces reportedly targeted Ukrainian troops and equipment near Mikhailovka and Nikolsky.
• Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 5 Russian army assaults.
• Casualties: There are multiple reports of civilian casualties, including a 67-year old man killed by a drone strike, and a 54-year old man and a 51-year old woman injured from strikes on Kherson.

Kharkiv Oblast

• Air Attacks: Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks.
• Drone Attack: A "Shahed" drone hit a residential building in Kharkiv, causing casualties.
• Drone Movement: Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
• Fighting: Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons. Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya, and Vovchansk. Russian forces disrupted a Ukrainian attack in the Liptsi area.
• Missile Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
• Evacuations: Ukrainian forces are evacuating residents of 344 settlements.
• Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 8 Russian army assaults near Vovchansk, Hlyboke, and Starytsya.
• Air Strikes: Russian forces carried out 10 air strikes and 45 strikes using kamikaze drones.
• Bombardment: Russian forces carried out 304 bombardments of Ukrainian defensive positions.
• Russian Losses: Russian forces report they have lost 109 personnel, 49 items of military equipment, and 70 defensive shelters.
• Ukrainian Losses: Ukrainian forces claim to have killed 33 Russian soldiers, wounded 75, and captured 1.

Drone Warfare

• Depleted Air Defense: Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
• Ukrainian Drone Activity: Ukrainian drones are active across the country.
• Drone Movement: Numerous drones are moving across Ukraine towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions, and also towards Sumy and Pryluky.
• Black Sea Launch: A large group of drones launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary.
• Approach to Cities: Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
• Simultaneous Strikes: Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
• FPV Drone Destruction: Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
• Vehicle Destruction: Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
• High-Speed Drone Threat: High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
• Drone Downings: 13 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions. 14 Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed overnight in Bryansk Oblast.
• Lviv Region Threat: Multiple Russian drones are threatening the Lviv region.
• Ukrainian Drone Strikes: In the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces launched 180 FPV drone strikes and have dropped 125 fragmentation munitions.
• Ukrainian Drone Needs: The Ukrainian military is reporting heavy use of FPV drones on their side of the conflict and requires more countermeasures against Russian drones.
• Drone Activity: One Ukrainian UAV was destroyed over Crimea. A drone attack on a police special forces barracks in Grozny resulted in minor injuries to 4 guards. Chechen leader Kadyrov blames Ukraine. An FPV drone was used by Russia to destroy a Ukrainian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station, while another Ukrainian electronic warfare station was also targeted. Ukrainian forces have destroyed multiple Russian vehicles and troop positions with drones. Ukrainian drones have been spotted targeting Russian military facilities in Russian territory. Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Supercam drone. Multiple groups of enemy drones are entering the Sumy region from the Kursk Oblast, moving in a west/southwest direction.
• Drone Attacks in Germany: Several unidentified drones were spotted over military objects in Germany, including Rheinmetall plants, a BASF chemical plant, and the US Ramstein Air Base.

Missile Attacks

• Bomber Activity: Multiple Tu-95MS strategic bombers are airborne, with repeated launch maneuvers in the Caspian Sea.
• Missile Mobilization: Mobile launch platforms for Kalibr missiles are mobilizing in Novorossiysk.
• Ballistic Missile Threat: Ballistic missile threat originates from Crimea.
• Kharkiv Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
• Black Sea Launch: "Kalibr" missiles have been launched from the Black Sea, triggering air raid alerts across Ukraine.
• Multiple Launches: Multiple Russian missile launches are expected, with some targeted at Pryluky, and multiple Kalibr missiles are heading towards the Kirovograd Oblast, with some later changing course to Odesa and Kryvyi Rih.
• Kh-101 Missiles: Multiple Kh-101 missiles entered Ukrainian airspace through the Sumy Oblast and are traveling through the Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Kharkiv regions.
• Missile Movement: Missiles have reached Sumy, Poltava, and Chernihiv oblasts, with a missile targeted at Pryluky.
• Kinzhal Missiles: Kinzhal Missiles are being launched towards western Ukraine, with vectors including Zvyagel, Shepetovka, Ternopil, Stryi, Burshytn, and Zakarpattia.
• Cruise Missile Launches: Multiple Cruise missiles are being launched from the Kherson region in the direction of Mykolaiv, and from Kharkiv region towards Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions, with some missiles passing near Bila Tserkva.
• Ballistic Missile Launches: Multiple ballistic missiles have been launched towards Odesa from Crimea.
• Missile Movement: Multiple missiles are passing through the Lviv region in the direction of Stryi, and are also present in the Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Khmelnytskyi regions.
• New Missile: A new type of air-to-surface missile is being used in the Kherson region in the direction of Voznesensk and Pervomaisk, and towards Bashtanka.
• Missile Re-routing: Missiles from Kyiv have changed course and moved to the Vinnitsia region, and from there they moved west near the Khmelnitsky region.
• Missile Reports: A missile has been reported traveling to Cherkasy from Kyiv region. Missiles are traveling through Zhytomyr and Vinnitsa, heading to the southwest.
• Cherkasy Region: There is a report that a rocket has been spotted in the Cherkasy region, moving northwest, which then traveled to the Kyiv region before moving to the Vinnytsia region, then changed direction to fly west near Khmelnitsky.
• Missile Movement: Missiles are reported to be passing by the city of Kozyatyn, in the Vinnytsia region and have been reported to have changed course and are heading west from the Vinnitsia region, towards Khmelnitsky.
• Massive Attack: Ukraine reports a massive Russian attack that involved 93 missiles and 200 drones. 81 missiles were shot down, including 11 cruise missiles shot down by F-16. Russia states that this strike was in response to the Ukrainian use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.
• North Korean Missile: A North Korean missile was used in the attacks.
• Targeted Infrastructure: Russia is targeting key Ukrainian infrastructure including transportation and energy networks.
• KAB Bombs: Three Ukrainian DSNs (State Emergency Service) workers were injured by a Russian attack using KABs (guided bombs) in Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
• Intense Attack: The Prykarpattya region is facing its most intense attack since the start of the full-scale invasion.
• Energy Infrastructure: Attacks were made on energy infrastructure in Lviv, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts. 50% of the Ternopil region is without power.
• Power Outages: Russian forces have launched missile attacks on the energy facilities in Lviv and the Ternopil regions, severely damaging their infrastructure and leading to power outages. Six energy infrastructure sites have been damaged in the Lviv region.
• Russian Rationale: Russian forces stated their attacks were in retaliation for Ukrainian ATACMS attacks on Taganrog.
• Strike on Fuel/Energy Infrastructure: Russian missile strikes were focused on critical infrastructure targets in the fuel and energy sectors that support the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.
• Retaliation for ATACMs: Russia has stated that its attacks are in response to Ukraine's use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.
• Response to ATACMS attack: In response to the use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog, Russian forces launched a massive strike on Ukrainian infrastructure.
• Russian Missile Attack: A map shows the trajectories of Russian missiles and drones targeting various Ukrainian cities and regions on December 13th. The attack involved a mix of cruise missiles (X-22, X-59/69, X-101/55CM, Kalibr), ballistic and aero-ballistic missiles, drones, and potentially Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The attack suggests a complex and coordinated effort, with concentrations near Kyiv, western regions, and some paths reaching as far south as Odesa.
• Ukrainian Air Defense Success: A Ukrainian soldier from the Kherson anti-aircraft missile brigade shot down a Russian cruise missile using a "Stinger" MANPADS during a massive missile attack on the morning of December 13th.
• Potential New Russian Missile Attack: Monitoring resources suggest that Russia might launch a new missile attack using the "Oreshnik" missile on December 18th, when the Kapustin Yar test site is expected to close.

Logistics:

• State of Emergency: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine, starting December 16.
• Mine Closure: The "Metinvest" metallurgical holding has stopped work at the "Shakhtoupravlenie "Pokrovskoe" coal site due to the approach of the front line.
• Gas Transit: Ukraine is preparing for a cessation of gas transit from Russia by 1 January 2025.
• Energy Crisis: Ukraine is facing an ongoing energy crisis due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Half of the population is expected to be without power.
• Infrastructure Damage: The Ukrainian ministry of energy states that attacks are targeted at power grids, gas networks, and transport networks, and confirms that the attacks on energy infrastructure are occurring throughout Ukraine.
• Requested Electricity Imports: Ukraine has requested imports of electricity amounting to more than 13,400 MWh per hour from 5 neighboring countries following the attacks on their energy grid.
• Physiological Solution Shortages: Russia is experiencing a shortage of physiological solution due to import issues and that government fixed prices are too low.
• Factory Fire: A fire occurred at a Russian factory that was responsible for servicing infrastructure.
• Passport Services Interruption: Ukraine's passport services are suspended from 16:00 today until the 16th of December, for scheduled maintenance.

Military Activity:

• Advances: Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Dzerzhinsk and gained control of the surrounding slag heaps.
• Targeting Supply Lines: Russian forces are using artillery and drones to target supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve.
• Ukrainian Counterattacks: Ukrainian forces are counterattacking to impede Russian advances.
• Mine Clearing: Russian forces are using mine-clearing techniques in Pavlovka, near Donetsk, as well as direct tank fire.
• Drone Usage: Ukrainian forces are using drones near Kurakhovo.
• Breakthrough Attempt: Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
• Withdrawal: Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne.
• Supply Route: Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
• Push Towards Konstantinopolskoye: Russian forces are pushing towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye.
• Advancement on Vremevsk: Russian forces have advanced on the Vremevsk direction by 4 by 1.6 kilometers.
• Repelled Attacks: Russian forces report they have repelled 20 Ukrainian attacks.
• Fiber Optic Drones: Russian forces are reportedly using a new type of drone that uses fiber optics to target vehicles.
• Ukrainian Air Activity: Ukrainian tactical aviation is conducting guided air bomb strikes in Donetsk region.
• River Crossing Destruction: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly with an airstrike.
• Village Capture: Russian troops have captured the village of Veselyi Gai, south of Kurakhovo. Russian forces have reportedly gained control of Plekhovo, in the Kursk region, with the help of North Korean Special Forces.
• Air Force Scramble: Poland has scrambled their airforce due to the multiple missile strikes over Ukrainian territory near its border.
• Explosions: There are multiple reports of explosions in the Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Odesa, and Lviv Oblasts.
• FPV Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces are reportedly using FPV drones extensively, and require more countermeasures against Russian drones.
• River Crossing Destruction: The Russian army has reportedly destroyed a crossing over the Mokrye Yaly river using an airstrike, preventing troop reinforcements.
• Reconnaissance and Guided Strikes: Russian forces are using reconnaissance drones, and then strike with guided missiles on the Polozhsk direction.
• Counterattack: Ukrainian forces are trying to regroup on the Zholte area and have launched a counter attack that was stopped.
• Drone Technology: The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology.
• Tank Usage: A T-72B3M tank destroyed a Ukrainian firing position with direct fire, clearing a path through a minefield.
• Missile Testing: The Russian military has begun testing the Oreshnik missile.
• Advances: Russian forces have advanced north of Rivnopil in the western approaches to Velyka Novosilka, and also made slight advances near Robotyne in the south-west.
• Technological Advancements: The Russian military is using robotic platforms and electronic warfare technology in the ongoing campaign.
• Supply Line Security: The Russian military is taking steps to secure its supply lines as Ukraine is focusing on attacking these routes using its FPV drone technology.
• Bakhmut and Avdiivka: The Russian military is making advances along multiple areas including south of Bakhmut and around Avdiivka.
• Electronic Warfare Station: A Russian FPV drone successfully destroyed a Ukrainian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station.
• Ukrainian Air Defense: Ukrainian Air Force reports have shot down 80 cruise missiles and one ballistic missile out of 94 fired by Russia. 80 Shahed and other unidentified drones have been shot down, with 105 others being "locationally lost" (they did not reach their intended target.)
• Russian Response: The Russian Ministry of Defense has stated they have launched a retaliatory attack against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
• Factory Strikes: Russia has struck a plant used for production of UAV's near Boryspil and another plant for repair of heavy military equipment near Pereyaslav.
• Airstrike targeting Infrastructure: A Russian missile strike damaged a critical infrastructure target in the Drohobych district of the Lviv region.
• Targeting of power grids: Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure has resulted in a reduction in production at 5 of 9 Ukrainian nuclear reactors.
• Combined Arms Attack: Russian forces conducted a combined arms attack on Ukrainian territory, utilizing strategic bombers, naval vessels, and Geran-2 kamikaze drones.
• Targeted Strikes: Russian strikes targeted the Burshtyn TPP, Kolomyia airfield, Kaniv HPP, and a gas storage facility near Stryi. Explosions were also reported near the Limansky airfield in Odesa.
• Ukrainian Countermeasures: Ukrainian forces deployed mobile fire groups to intercept Russian drones and missiles, with notable success reported by the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade of Air Command "West." These mobile groups destroyed Russian drones over Ukraine.
• Alleged North Korean Involvement: Unconfirmed reports claim that North Korean special forces participated in the liberation of Plekhovo in the Kursk region. A video from a Russian source states that North Korean troops were involved, but in conjunction with the 810th Marine Brigade.
• Alleged Israeli Involvement: Reports suggest that Israeli forces are expanding their occupied zone in the Golan Heights and preparing for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• Drone Activity: There is an increased air threat, including drones, over the Kursk region. New groups of Russian drones are entering the eastern part of the Sumy region, moving south/southwest. Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest. There is an increased threat from Russian tactical aviation. Drone activity continues in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. New groups of Russian drones are entering the eastern part of the region from occupied territory, moving north/northeast. Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast. Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka. Kherson is under threat of attack from the north. Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast. Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
• Other Fronts: Russian 16th Special Forces Brigade is conducting operations near the Serebryansk forest, utilizing drones to eliminate Ukrainian forces. A Russian FPV drone destroyed a Ukrainian BTR-4 armored personnel carrier near Kharkiv. Russian drones are targeting Ukrainian pick-up trucks and manpower with drone-delivered munitions in the Serebryansky forest. There is increased Russian tactical aviation activity on the northeastern front.
• Military Activity: Russian forces are using drones to target supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve. Russian forces are actively attempting to destroy Ukrainian drones. The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology. Russian forces have secured positions within Uspenovka.
• Casualties: One civilian was injured in Belgorod due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
• Drone Development: The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology.
• Drone Strikes: Russian forces are launching repeated guided air bomb attacks in the Sumy region. Multiple Russian drones are entering and moving south/southwest. New groups of Russian drones are entering the eastern part of the region, moving south/southwest. Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest. There is an increased threat from Russian tactical aviation.
• Drone Activity: Drone activity continues in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. New groups of Russian drones are entering the eastern part of the region from occupied territory, moving north/northeast. Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast. Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka. Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
• Air Attacks: Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast. Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
• Drone Warfare: Russian drones are targeting Ukrainian positions near Kurakhove. Ukrainian drones are active across the country. Numerous drones are moving across Ukraine towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Drones are moving from the south towards Kyiv. Drones are moving from the southeast towards Vinnytsia. Drones are moving from the northeast towards Zytomyr. Drones are moving towards Sumy from the northwest. Drones are moving towards Kharkiv from the south. Drones are moving from the north into Sumy Oblast. Drones are moving from the south into Kyiv. Drones are moving west and southwest in Cherkasy, Sumy, Poltava and Kharkiv regions. Drones are moving northwest in Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. Drones are moving southwest in Chernihiv regions. Drones are moving south/northwest in Kirovohrad regions. Drones are moving in the northeastern parts of the Sumy region. Drones are moving west from Kharkiv into the Donetsk region. Numerous drones are moving towards Sumy and Pryluky. Drones are moving from the southeast towards Kyiv. Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka. Drones are moving from the south towards Kryvyi Rih. Drones are moving across the border region of Poltava, Sumy, and Chernihiv, moving west/southwest.
• Military Activity: Russian forces are using drones to target supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve. Russian forces are actively attempting to destroy Ukrainian drones. The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology. Russian forces have secured positions within Uspenovka.
• Strategic Operations: Russian forces have secured positions in Uspenovka, with Ukrainian forces under high threat of encirclement. Hostile drone activity is increasing across Ukraine, including the regions surrounding Kyiv and other major population centers.
• Drone Activity: A large number of drones are currently active across Ukraine, moving towards or over Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions. A large number of hostile drones are approaching or over Sumy, with some approaching the city of Pryluky in that region. New groups of drones are entering Sumy from the north and northeast, and also approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv from other directions.
• New messages: A Ukrainian Su-24 bomber was shot down near the village of Zolotoye, Donetsk Oblast. A Ukrainian UAV was shot down near Crimea. Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.

Other Fronts

• Serebryansk Forest: Russian 16th Special Forces Brigade is conducting operations, utilizing drone-delivered munitions to eliminate enemy combatants.

Political and Geopolitical

• The US has allocated a $500 million aid package to Ukraine.
• Cuba and Bolivia may join BRICS as partner countries in 2025.
• The outgoing Biden administration may increase sanctions on Russian oil exports.
• The US House of Representatives has approved a 2025 defense budget without a lend-lease agreement with Ukraine.
• A Trump administration may reduce US aid to Ukraine.
• Ukraine may face tension with a Trump administration due to perceived support for the Democratic party in the pre-election period.
• The Biden administration intends to accelerate arms supplies to Ukraine, to provide Kyiv with a "huge amount of weapons" before Trump's inauguration.
• Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine, starting December 16.
• Poland does not intend to send peacekeepers to Ukraine, partly to avoid playing into the Russian narrative about Poland's alleged desire to occupy western Ukraine.
• Francois Bayrou, leader of the centrist Democratic Movement party, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of France.
• Dmitry Medvedev stated that the return of Donbas and Novorossiya to Russia is no more "criminal" than the merger of East and West Germany in 1990. He also claimed that the original language of communication in Ukraine was closer to Russian than the current Ukrainian language.
• The Prime Minister of Georgia announced that Georgia will prohibit covering one's face at public gatherings.
• A US National Security Council official stated that Russia may launch an "Oreshnik" missile attack on Ukraine this weekend.
• The US State Department approved a $266 million package for servicing Ukrainian F-16s.
• The Canadian Parliament approved a ~$600 million direct military aid package for Ukraine, with additional funding for financial support and demining/cybersecurity.
• The EU has stated its desire to be involved in peace talks regarding the Ukrainian conflict.
• The US opposes the use of US-made missiles by the Ukrainian military inside Russia.
• Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen area on January 1st, 2025.
• Russia and India have signed a major oil deal.
• The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that he would like to see a free Iran and mentioned that billions of dollars that Iran spent on conflicts in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon had essentially been destroyed.
• The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, stated that there are no negotiations with the Russian government, and stated that Ukraine did not believe it had the capability to participate in negotiations.
• A Berlin Declaration was signed by six European countries and the EU, affirming support for Ukraine joining both the EU and NATO, and stating that peace must be based on the Ukrainian peace formula.
• The US will announce another aid package for Ukraine which will include additional air defense systems, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles.
• The opposition in Georgia has stated that they do not recognize the election results for president.
• Trump is suggesting that Europe deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine to establish a ceasefire.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has visited a unit that is using HIMARS in the Zaporizhzhia region.
• France will continue to provide Ukraine with assistance.
• The US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on officials and security forces from Georgia.
• The Russian Duma is planning to introduce ruble-based special accounts for foreign agents.
• The Russian Duma is preparing to review a bill to cancel the negative credit history of combatants.
• Telegram has banned around 10 million users per month.
• Russia has reportedly refused a Ukrainian offer of a massive prisoner exchange that could have taken place at Christmas.
• Medvedev stated that Ukraine must choose between aligning with Russia or disappearing from the world map.
• Italy is ready to send a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine. Italy has stated its readiness to contribute to peacekeeping missions in Ukraine and the Middle East, but the head of the Italian Foreign Ministry, Antonio Tajani, clarified that sending peacekeepers to Ukraine is premature and only possible after the war's end.

Internal Security

• The entire Lipetsk Oblast has been put under a state of air alert.
• Lipetsk, Lipetsk MO, Lebedyansky, and