Key Military Situation Updates - December 26, 2024, 16:41 UTC

Donetsk Oblast

Kurakhove

• Russian Control and Advance: Russian forces maintain control of approximately 80% of Kurakhove, continuing their offensive operations. They have successfully liberated an additional 5 sq km, advancing south of Ukrainian positions in the industrial zone. Video evidence confirms the 68th tank regiment's advance, capturing an enemy position.
• Ukrainian Withdrawal: Reports persist that Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from Kurakhove. Heavy fighting continues in the city center.
• Strategic Advances: Russian forces have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and are advancing on Yantarnoye, destroying a bridge over the Volchya River. Russian forces report liberating the settlement of Gigant to the south of Kurakhove. Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
• Drone Warfare: Video evidence shows drone strikes on various targets, including a communications repeater. Snipers and drone operators are actively targeting Ukrainian forces, disrupting rotations. Intense clashes are ongoing near several settlements, with Russian forces making gains, including the liberation of Elizavetovka. Ukrainian forces used drones to target Russian positions in the Kurakhovo direction, and video evidence shows Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian observation posts, soldiers, and positions. A drone recording of a military engagement in the Kurakhovo direction shows soldiers from the 68th tank regiment advancing, taking an enemy position, and surprising reinforcements. Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
• Aerial Attacks: Airstrikes and guided bomb launches are reported against multiple locations, including Konstantinivka and Chasiv Yar.
• Forest Belt Occupations: South of Zelenivka, Russian units occupied several forest belts.
• Sontsovka Renamed: Sontsovka has been renamed Krasnoye.
• Shevchenko: In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna.
• Other Battles: Ongoing battles near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk.
• Positional fighting: reported in the Kurakhove-Dalnee area. Russian forces advanced more than 1km from Dalnee and took up new positions west of the settlement.
• Video shows: a compilation of nighttime operations conducted by operators of the 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, using drones to target and destroy enemy infantry and equipment in the vicinity of the Sukhi Yaly River.
• Advance Towards Shevchenko: Russian forces are advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko.
• Loss of Positions: Ukrainian forces report the loss of some positions in the Kurakhove direction.
• Changes to the Situation: Russian forces are consolidating their control over approximately 80% of Kurakhove. Clashes continue in the central part of the city for the remaining high-rise buildings. Russian forces liberated Gigant. Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka from the north and east. Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road. Russian forces are advancing east of Myrolubivka, fording the Kazennyi Torets River and establishing a foothold on the right bank, posing a threat to Myrnohrad (formerly Dymytrov).

Vremivka Direction

• Territorial Gains: Russian forces captured Storozheve and advanced towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar and Novopustynka. They liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne. Russian forces report that they are maneuvering to encircle Ukrainian forces near Velyka Novosilka and have advanced towards the road near Vremivka.
• Encirclement at Makarivka: Reports of Ukrainian forces being encircled in Makarivka are officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Clashes: Ongoing near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka. Fighting continues in Novyi Komar, with Russian forces attacking from both sides to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
• Advance Towards Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are advancing, with reports of over 800 meters gained. A bridge over the Mokri Yaly river was destroyed, disrupting Ukrainian logistics. Russian forces are maneuvering to encircle Ukrainian forces near Velyka Novosilka.
• Makarivka Liberation: Reports of Makarivka's liberation on December 16th and control gained over the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
• Uspenovka Liberation Completed: The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed, and Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket."
• Neskuchne: Rogov reported the beginning of battles for the liberation of Neskuchne in DPR. He also reported the advance of the Russian Armed Forces "from Storozheve towards the road leading to Huliaipole". Russian troops liberated more than 5 square kilometers of the territory of the DPR and advanced from the settlement of Zarya towards Yasenev.
• Drones of the 14th Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group targeted a temporary deployment point of a hostile unit in Velyka Novosilka.
• Situation in Velyka Novosilka: The situation remains extremely difficult, according to DeepState. Russian forces are attempting to encircle the town from the northeast and southwest.
• Video shows: artillery operations by the 1461st Amur Regiment against Ukrainian positions in Novoselka.
• Changes to the Situation: Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, disrupting Ukrainian logistics. The situation in Velyka Novosilka remains extremely difficult, according to DeepState. Russian forces are attempting to encircle the town from the northeast and southwest.

Toretsk

• Street Fighting: Continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Heavy fighting is ongoing in Shcherbynivka, and Russian forces are advancing near the Toretska mine.
• Clashes: Ongoing near Toretsk, Dyliyivka, Dachne, Bila Hora, and Scherbynivka.
• Advance Behind New York: Russian forces are advancing behind New York, having taken the center of Shcherbinovka.
• Ukrainian Command Post Destruction: A Ukrainian command post was destroyed near the Toretsk mine.
• Civilian Evacuation: Civilians were evacuated from Toretsk.
• Ukrainian forces destroy some of an enemy assault group: near Toretsk, capturing an Egyptian mercenary.
• Changes to the Situation: Street fighting divides the city. Russian forces continue attacks along Fabrychna, Rynkova, Svitla, Lesi Ukrainky streets and in the direction of the "Toretska" mine.

Chasiv Yar

• Control and Regrouping: Ukrainian forces have retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound, with about 150 soldiers present. Drone operators destroyed a Ukrainian tank. Russian forces control over half of the city, with Ukrainian units regrouping.
• Ukrainian Counterattacks: In Chasiv Yar, Ukrainian forces have temporarily stabilized the situation and conducted a series of successful counterattacks. The threat to more than half of the city, which remains under Ukrainian control, has been somewhat mitigated. Ukrainian forces have regained positions in part of the fire-resistant compound and partially on the flank towards Konstiantynivka. The 24th Mechanized Brigade, 5th Assault Brigade, 93rd Mechanized Brigade, and other units are involved in holding off Russian forces in the city and its vicinity.
• Clashes: Reported near Stupochky and Predtechyne. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound.
• Partial Dislodgement: Fighting in Chasov Yar: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound.
• Changes to the Situation: Ukrainian forces have retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound in Chasiv Yar. There are currently about 150 Ukrainian soldiers at the plant. Ukrainian forces have temporarily stabilized the situation and conducted a series of successful counterattacks.

Pokrovsk

• Russian Advance: Russian forces are attacking from the southwest, liberating Novyi Trud and engaging in fighting in Dachenske. They are advancing west on a broad front south of Pokrovsk, making progress near Novooleenovka and Novoyelizavetivka. The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has reached the central part of Lysivka. Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka, entering Pisky, and storming Novooleenovka while advancing towards Slavyanka. "Otvazhnye" forces are making a powerful push near Pokrovsk, initiating assaults on Solone, Novovasylivka, and Novoelizavetivka.
• High-Intensity Battles: Ongoing near multiple settlements. Russian forces advanced near Pushkino, liberating Veselyi Gai, and are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk. They are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
• Drone Strike Near Solone: Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
• Power Substation Strike: Russian forces struck a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
• Canadian "Roshel Senator" Damaged: Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction.
• Changes to the Situation: Russian forces are developing success from the southwest, attacking from the side of Dachenske. Russian forces, having liberated Novopustynka, repelled multiple enemy attempts to retake the village and captured 10 Ukrainian soldiers.
• "Otvazhnye" forces are making a powerful push near Pokrovsk, initiating assaults on Solone, Novovasylivka, and Novoelizavetivka.

Terny

• Advance and Control: Russian forces advanced in the village of Terny, taking control of approximately 40% of the settlement.

Other Key Developments in Donetsk Oblast

• Guided Aerial Bombs: Launched in the southern part of the region.
• POW Shooting Footage: The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs.
• Colombian Mercenaries Liquidated: Reports of Russian forces liquidating a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the LPR.
• Casualties Inflicted by "Center" Group: The "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
• War Crime Investigation: Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers executed after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
• Novoocheretuvate Crossing Destroyed: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
• Ukrainian Repel near Novoocheretuvate: Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Novoocheretuvate.
• Tactical Position Improvement: Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses.
• Ostrovskoe Abuse Reports: Residents of Ostrovskoe reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
• Kurakhovskaya TPP Strike: Russian forces successfully targeted a Ukrainian YPR-765 armored personnel carrier near the Kurakhovskaya TPP.
• Novyi Trud Liberation by MoD: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud in the DPR.
• MoD Report on Vostok Group: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defenses.
• MoD Briefing (08:37:20 UTC): "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
• Ukrainian Soldier Execution: On the Donetsk front, there are reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering. This incident is under investigation as a potential war crime.
• Changes to the Situation: Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region.

Kremennaya-Terny

• Reserves to Lozova: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova (Kharkiv Oblast).
• Terny Attack: An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
• Central Terny Advance: Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny, expanding control by up to 400 meters.
• Changes to the Situation: Active combat operations near Kremennaya. Russian forces advanced in Terny and expanded their control, pushing towards Borova.

Kursk Region

• Territorial Gains: Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• Ukrainian Reserves Destroyed: Ukrainian reserves transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
• Heavy Fighting: Continues along the front line (57 clashes).
• Ka-52M Helicopter Action: Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area. A video shows the crew of a Ka-52M helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.
• Paratrooper Advance: Paratroopers of the 76th division are storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
• HIMARS Strike and Alleged Civilian Deaths: Ukrainian forces reportedly used HIMARS with cluster munitions against North Korean special forces, causing heavy losses. A later report states that Ukrainian forces struck Lgov, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The Ukrainian military claims the target was a command post, but Russian sources dispute this.
• Allegations of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians. Another reported orders to shoot civilians. A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers.
• Corruption: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles.
• Casualties: Over 3,000 wounded and killed North Korean soldiers were reported.
• Ukrainian Defense: Ukrainian defenders repelled 46 enemy attacks, with 374 artillery strikes.
• Captured Soldier's Account: A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops.
• Drone Strike: A video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
• Alleged Terrorist Plot Foiled: FSB reportedly prevented a terrorist attack in the Moscow region.
• Ukrainian Troop and Tank Losses: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces lost more than 230 troops and two tanks in the Kursk direction.
• AFU Losses Since Start of Hostilities: Russian Ministry of Defense reports significant AFU losses since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region.
• Kruhlenke Advance: South of Kruhlenke, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka and cleared a forest belt. They are also attacking Leonidovo from the west.
• Ukrainian Drone Operation: Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
• Code 9.2 Unit Activity: Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.
• Drone Strikes Near Sumy: Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
• Ministry of Defense Report: The Ministry of Defense reports that Russian troops defeated formations of 5 mechanized, 3 airborne assault brigades, a marine brigade, and 4 territorial defense brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near several settlements.
• Video shows: drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
• Video shows: a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
• Video from Sudoplatov: shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
• Russian forces are experiencing significant issues in the Sverdlikivka area: of the Kursk region due to depleted combat potential and logistics issues. The 225th Separate Assault Battalion has only 15 of 47 combat groups capable of conducting assault operations. Units from the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade and the 1st Separate Tank Brigade are being used to defend the Sverdlikivka line. A combined battalion from the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, and 82nd Separate Airborne Assault Brigade is tasked with holding the Leonidovo-Viktorivka line.
• Russian forces are using remote mining: to prevent Ukrainian advances towards Sverdlikove.
• Ukrainian forces are reportedly transferring up to 1,000 personnel: from rear units in the Odesa region to the occupied territories of the Kursk region.
• Report of a liquidated North Korean soldier in the Kursk region: by the 80th Galician Brigade.
• Report of a military serviceman's suicide in the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian forces report that North Korean soldiers have been rotated out of the Kursk region and replaced with Russian soldiers.
• Notes from a destroyed North Korean soldier: The Special Operations Forces deciphered a notebook belonging to a North Korean private named Gyeong Hong Jeong, who was killed in Kursk. The notebook details how to hunt a Ukrainian drone "on live bait."
• Changes to the Situation: Airstrikes were conducted by Mi-35M helicopters in the border area, targeting Ukrainian strongholds. The "Sever" group successfully advanced in the forest. "Тайные Санты" щедро одаривают российских и корейских солдат подарками на Курском направлении. Работа операторов дронов 95-й отдельной десантно-штурмовой бригады. The video shows drone footage of Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian and North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region. The video is titled "Secret Santas generously give gifts to Russian and Korean soldiers in the Kursk direction. Work of drone operators of the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade." The video shows the use of drones to target and destroy enemy personnel and equipment. The video also shows the use of drones to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance.
• North Korean Troops: Ukrainian intelligence reports the presence of North Korean troops in the Kursk region. They have reportedly suffered significant losses, including at least 5 killed in a recent attack. Russian forces are reportedly resupplying these units. Ukrainian forces claim to have disrupted communication between North Korean units. The 47th Brigade reportedly repelled a Russian attack in the Kursk direction, destroying a Russian column of 5 armored vehicles along with personnel.
• Grad MLRS crew eliminates AFU infantry cluster in border area of Kursk region: Having acquired an AFU infantry group attempting to gain a foothold in a forest, a Grad MLRS crew of paratroopers' artillerymen hit the designated area by precise strikes of rocket-propelled projectiles and eliminated the enemy's infantry.

Kharkiv Region

• Starytsia: Russian forces have broken through the Ukrainian defense and are advancing along the Seversky Donets River.
• Zahryzove: Russian forces made progress due to gaps in the Ukrainian defenses.
• Kupyansk Direction: Fighting is ongoing near several settlements. Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing in two directions.
• Kharkiv Axis: Clashes are reported near several settlements.
• Reserves Transfer: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova.
• Drone Activity: Increased drone activity was reported, with movements towards Balakliia. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk. Ukrainian forces repelled a large mechanized attack near the Oskil River, destroying or damaging 21 pieces of Russian equipment.
• Heat Supply Disruption: 500,000 subscribers in the region are without heat.
• Military Operations: Russian sources claim advances in the Kupyansk direction, including the capture of most of Lozova and progress in Zahryzove and near Dvorichna. They also claim the destruction of a NATO-supplied Leopard tank near Petropavlivka. Video footage reportedly shows Russian army aviation using unguided aerial rockets against Ukrainian positions.
• Air Force Reports: The Ukrainian Air Force reported drone activity and threats in the Kharkiv region, with drones being shot down.
• Tank Destruction: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
• Casualties in Kupiansk: One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
• Civilian Hit by Drone: A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
• Explosive Strikes: Explosive strikes reported in the region.
• Clash near Vovchansk: One clash occurred near Vovchansk.
• Airstrikes and Drone Strikes: Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes.
• Drone Unit Elimination: A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
• "ACHILLES" Battalion Action: Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade, operating heavy night bombers, are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
• Drone Attack on Russian Position: Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
• 16th Special Forces Brigade Action: In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
• Drone and Armored Vehicle Destruction: Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
• Leopard Tank Destruction: A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
• Changes to the Situation: Ukrainian forces temporarily ceased power outages in Kharkiv and the surrounding region due to agreements reached with the government and relevant ministries. This is intended to stabilize the heat and hot water supply situation.
• Explosion in Kharkiv: The sound of an explosion was heard in Kharkiv, likely outside the city limits.

Other Regions

• Drone Activity: New reports of drone movements in Chernihiv, Poltava, and Cherkasy Oblasts, with air raid alerts issued for Kyiv and other regions. Ukrainian forces report shooting down 20 out of 31 drones launched by Russia overnight. Air raid alerts have been lifted in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Drone (likely Shahed drones) movement has been detected: Approaching Vasylkiv from the west and east. Approaching Brovary. 3 drones were reported in the Lubny area of Poltava Oblast. 4 drones from the Bila Tserkva district of Kyiv Oblast were heading towards Vinnytsia Oblast. 4 drones were detected at the intersection of Zhytomyr and Kyiv Oblasts. 1 drone was reported north of Chernihiv, moving westward. 2 drones from the Nizhyn area were heading southwest. 1 drone was reported in the north of Chernihiv Oblast. New groups of drones were entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk, heading south/southeast. A drone was reported heading towards Kyiv from the southwest. A drone was reported heading towards Sumy from the northwest. A hostile drone was heading towards Kyiv from the north. Air raid alerts had been activated and deactivated in Kyiv. Explosions were heard in Kyiv, indicating likely drone impacts or air defense activity. Air defense systems were active in the Kyiv region, engaging and destroying hostile drones. A drone, likely a reconnaissance model, was detected over Zaporizhzhia. Extensive drone activity reported across multiple regions, with Ukrainian air defense neutralizing drones near Kyiv. Air raid alerts issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Vinnitsa, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv. Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions. Mykolaiv Oblast was under threat of enemy drone attacks. Overnight, Russian forces actively attempted to attack Tokmak, Energodar and Melitopol. Ukrainian air defense successfully shot down hostile objects. During the night, 4 more UAVs were destroyed and suppressed by electronic warfare in the Millerovsky and Tarasovsky districts of Rostov Oblast. Russian media sources claim that a total of 12 drones were destroyed in Rostov Oblast, as well as an additional drone in Voronezh Oblast. A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used in the zone of special military operation. Warning regarding drone activity in Krasnodar Krai. Air raid alerts issued for Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv Oblasts due to the threat of drone attacks.
• Geopolitical Developments: Russia and Iran are reportedly planning to sign a new strategic partnership agreement. US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine.
• Military Aid: US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine. The Netherlands plans to provide an additional 6 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.
• Other: Overnight strikes on Kharkiv damaged energy infrastructure and industrial facilities. An urgent fundraising campaign is underway to purchase a vehicle for Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian forces reportedly face an increase in artillery shelling in the south. French military sources confirmed the completion of training for Ukrainian pilots on Mirage 2000-5F aircraft. An Azerbaijani passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused NATO of attempting to turn Moldova into a logistics hub for supplying the Ukrainian army. The Iranian Embassy in Ukraine extended Christmas greetings. Reports indicate 21 Palestinians killed and 51 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza.
• Drone Warfare: Extensive drone warfare continues, with reports of drone attacks and artillery strikes by both sides. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk. Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region. Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory. Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha. Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier. Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade engaging Russian infantry. Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment. Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists. Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region. A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction. A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area. Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv. Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk. Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area. Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest. Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck. Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire. Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk. In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones. FPV of the Third Assault Brigade destroys enemy weapons, shelters, and warehouses. Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles. One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling. A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk. Explosive strikes were reported in the region. 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. One woman is in critical condition and 3 are in severe condition. Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
• Propaganda and Information Warfare: An exhibition of Nizhny Novgorod artists opened in Beijing. The "Operation Z" Telegram channel is collecting funds for Mavic 3 drones. The "NKB Smersh" organization is involved in detaining individuals for discrediting the Russian army. YouTube is reportedly de facto blocked in Russia. The Russian TV channel "Russia 1" censored flags of the Russian Empire in a report. A video discussion on the future of Georgia was shared. Russian media is attempting to downplay the drone attack on Chechnya. A Ukrainian drone remotely mined Russian logistics routes. A video surfaced showing an Italian volunteer fighter in the DPR. The Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff shared a Hanukkah greeting. Ukrainian forces shared images of soldiers celebrating Christmas. Azerbaijan has suspended all flights to Grozny and Makhachkala. 27th brigade destroys infantry and firing points of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Kupyansk. There is a fundraising campaign for electronic warfare (EW) systems. Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine congratulates all servicemen and women of the Ukrainian army who are adherents of Judaism.
• A Ukrainian source reports a successful ambush on Russian forces: using intelligence gathered through internet surveillance and a humanitarian aid ruse, reportedly involving HIMARS and resulting in significant casualties.
• A social media post claims that the pro-Russian publication "Khuyevaya Barselona": has registered with Roskomnadzor.
• A video and caption commemorate the lowering of the USSR flag: and the execution of Nicolae Ceaușescu, drawing a parallel between the end of dictatorships.
• A car was driven into the doors of the military commissariat: in Gus-Khrustalny, Vladimir Oblast, and set on fire.
• The newest ice-class patrol ship "Nikolay Zubov" was launched: for the Russian Navy.
• Several villages in the Grayvoron district of Belgorod Oblast were left without electricity: after a Ukrainian drone attack.
• Donald Trump suggested that Canadian ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky run for Prime Minister of Canada.
• A special report by WarGonzo details the operations of the "Española" volunteer unit: in the battles for Chasiv Yar, highlighting their use of drones, artillery, and captured Ukrainian equipment. The report emphasizes the unit's adaptability, use of technology, and close coordination between different elements.
• Ukrainian air defenses have engaged Russian drones, with new reports of drone movements in Chernihiv, Poltava, and Cherkasy Oblasts. Air raid alerts are in effect for Kyiv and other regions.
• Russia and Iran are reportedly planning to sign a new strategic partnership agreement, potentially before a possible Trump inauguration.
• US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine.
• Video footage shows army aviation operations and drone strikes, highlighting the continued use of air power and drone warfare.
• Drone activity is reported over Chernihiv Oblast, moving towards Kyiv Oblast with a south-westerly course.
• Drones are reported over north-eastern Poltava Oblast, moving south-west.
• Drones are detected on the border of Cherkasy and Poltava Oblasts, moving east.
• Air raid alerts are in effect for Kyiv and several other regions due to the threat of attack drones.
• Lavrov states that a truce in Ukraine would be a dead end. Russia demands reliable agreements.
• Lavrov expresses hope that the Trump administration will understand the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine. Russia is ready for consultations.
• Biden expresses outrage over Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. He pledges continued US and international support for Kyiv and instructs the Pentagon to increase arms supplies.
• Lavrov hopes that the Trump administration will understand the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine. Russia is ready for consultations.
• A Ukrainian source reports that a drone struck a ship in Crimea that was seized by Russia in 2014. The ship, "Fedir Uryupin," belonged to the Ukrainian company "Chornomornaftogaz" and was seized during the occupation of Crimea. The drone hit the ship above the waterline, causing damage but not sinking it.
• The head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, Alexander Kurenkov, arrived in Anapa to oversee the aftermath of an environmental disaster. The report mentions that over 4,300 people are working at the site, but does not clarify that most of them are volunteers.
• Lavrov says that a truce in Ukraine would be a dead end now. Russia will not be satisfied with empty talk about a settlement, and final legal agreements are required.
• The MANTICORA unmanned aerial vehicle battalion of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna Kyivska needs help. The battalion is asking for donations of charging stations, generators, Starlink satellite systems, pickup trucks, frequency scanners, tablets, and ground stations for FPV drones.
• Ukrainian Air Force reports no threat of attack drones.
• FSTEC proposes to ban the export of aluminum powders and mixtures used in the production of ammunition to unfriendly countries.
• Lavrov states that a truce in Ukraine would be a dead end. Russia is not satisfied with empty talk about a settlement and requires reliable agreements with mechanisms to prevent their violation. Russia is not setting preconditions for negotiations on Ukraine, but demands the fulfillment of existing agreements. Russia is ready for consultations with the Trump administration on Ukraine, but only on the merits, about the root causes of the conflict, and subject to compliance with what was previously said by President Vladimir Putin.
• Activity of enemy tactical aviation is observed in the north-eastern direction.