Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 27, 2024, 16:49 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces maintain advancements, notably in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, with confirmed captures of Ivanivka, Zahryzove, and Novyi Trud. Intense fighting is reported across multiple fronts, particularly in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction, where Russian forces have reportedly cut off the last paved road supplying the Ukrainian garrison in Velyka Novosilka. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces report successes in repelling attacks, inflicting significant losses on Russian troops, and conducting special operations, including the elimination of three Russian officers and the capture of a North Korean soldier, though this is disputed by Russian sources. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage reported. Coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate a potential strategic pact between Russia and Iran is in the works, while US President Biden has instructed the Pentagon to continue increasing military aid to Ukraine. The Pentagon has refused to comment on reports of a downed F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to several Russian cities due to safety concerns. Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down all previously reported drones. Several villages in the Grayvoron district of Belgorod Oblast were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack. Extensive drone warfare continues across the region, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. The Russian Ministry of Defense officially confirmed the liberation of Zahryzove (Kharkiv Oblast), Ivanivka (Donetsk Oblast), and Novyi Trud (Donetsk Oblast). A Russian soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone. Flydubai has canceled flights from Sochi and Minvod to Dubai from December 28 to January 5, citing security threats. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that NATO will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea due to "possible sabotage against underwater cables." A Ukrainian political analyst states that any actual negotiations require stopping Russian advances, otherwise, Putin will remain under the illusion that he can win the war.

Strategic Analysis

The overall situation remains challenging for Ukrainian forces. Continued Russian advances, particularly in Kurakhove and Pokrovsk, suggest a concerted effort to achieve a breakthrough in the Donetsk region. The new offensive in the Kharkiv region, with the reported liberation of Zahryzove, indicates a significant escalation. The capture of key settlements like Storozheve and the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Makarivka (though officially denied) indicate a shift in the balance of power in the Vremivka direction. The reported withdrawal of Ukrainian forces towards the Dnipro River suggests a major shift in defensive strategy.

Extensive drone use by both sides highlights the evolving nature of the conflict. Ukrainian forces are effectively using drones for reconnaissance and targeted strikes but face troop and ammunition shortages. Ukrainian forces achieved notable successes, including a special operation resulting in the elimination of three Russian officers. The reported destruction of Ukrainian reserves in the Sumy region suggests Russia actively targets Ukrainian reinforcements and logistics.

The involvement of North Korean troops adds complexity and raises concerns about potential escalation. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces may have captured a North Korean soldier, although this is disputed by Russian sources. The death of a captured North Korean soldier from wounds has been reported by a South Korean news outlet. A video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory. Reported war crimes, including the execution of Ukrainian POWs, underscore the conflict's brutality and the need for international investigation and accountability.

The deteriorating humanitarian situation, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, highlights the devastating impact on the Ukrainian population. The massive coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and demonstrate Russia's intent to cripple Ukraine's infrastructure and demoralize its population.

The potential strategic pact between Russia and Iran adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape, with potential ramifications for the conflict in Ukraine and beyond. Continued US military aid to Ukraine underscores the ongoing international support for Ukraine's defense efforts.

The Pentagon's refusal to comment on the alleged downing of an F-16 over Zaporizhzhia Oblast is notable. While not a confirmation, it is an unusual move that could indicate the report's veracity or a desire to avoid revealing sensitive information. This incident, if confirmed, would have significant implications for the conflict, particularly regarding the potential involvement of Western-supplied advanced aircraft.

Over the past week, the Russian Armed Forces carried out 1 massive and 37 group strikes with high-precision weapons and drones on energy facilities in Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The massive explosion that sunk the Russian cargo ship "Ursa Major" off the coast of Spain, and the refusal of a Norwegian ship to render aid, add another layer of complexity to the conflict, particularly regarding maritime incidents and international law. The captain of the Norwegian ship may face legal repercussions for refusing to render aid, as per the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed his condolences to the President of Azerbaijan regarding the crash of an Azerbaijani plane, stating that evidence increasingly points to Russian involvement. He called for international pressure on Moscow to establish the truth and hold those responsible accountable.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the establishment of contact with the new Syrian government and expressed readiness to restore diplomatic relations, contingent on the new government's stance on Ukraine's territorial integrity. They also announced a humanitarian aid shipment of 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria.

In Kyiv, the names of Moscow, Minsk, and other Soviet cities were removed from the alley of hero cities at the Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II.

Key Developments

Drone Activity

• Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down all previously reported drones.
• Four new drones were detected entering from the Okhtyrka district towards Poltava Oblast.
• New groups of drones from Sumy Oblast are moving towards Poltava Oblast.
• Within an hour, explosions were heard in the occupied part of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, in the suburbs of Kharkiv and Cherkasy.
• An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using a UAV on the territory of the Bryansk region was thwarted.
• Ukrainian UAVs neutralized in the Suvorovsky district of Tula Oblast.
• Several groups of attack drones detected south of Kyiv, suggesting a potential imminent drone attack on the capital or surrounding areas. Ukrainian air defense systems are likely on high alert.
• New reports of drone movements:
  • Chernihiv Oblast: Drones moving towards Kyiv Oblast, course south-west. A new report indicates drones moving towards Kyiv Oblast, course west.
  • Poltava Oblast: Drones in the north-east, course south-west. Drones on the border with Cherkasy Oblast, course east. A new report indicates drones in the south and northeast, course southwest.
  • Cherkasy Oblast: Drones on the border with Kyiv Oblast, course west.
  • Kyiv Oblast: Drones north of Kyiv, course west.
  • Mykolaiv Oblast: Under threat of enemy drone attacks.
  • Zhytomyr Oblast: Under threat of enemy drone attacks.
  • Lubny: Under threat of enemy drone attacks.
• Air raid alerts issued for Kyiv and several other Oblasts due to the threat of attack drones.
• A Ukrainian source reports a successful ambush on Russian forces, using intelligence gathered through internet surveillance and a humanitarian aid ruse. The attack reportedly involved HIMARS and resulted in significant casualties. The source and location of this incident are not specified.
• Several villages in the Grayvoron district of Belgorod Oblast were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack.
• Extensive drone warfare continues across the region, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
• During the night, 4 more UAVs were destroyed and suppressed by electronic warfare in the Millerovsky and Tarasovsky districts of Rostov Oblast.
• Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
• 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 in the Kursk region.
• Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
• Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
• Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.
• 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 in the Kharkiv region.
• 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 in the Kharkiv region.
• 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 in the Kharkiv direction.
• 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 by Russian forces.
• A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
• Explosive strikes were reported in the region.
• Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.
• In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, operators of the 375th OPTADN used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot.
• 13 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight by air defense systems over Russian territory. 5 were shot down over Bryansk Oblast, 3 over Kursk Oblast, 2 each over Belgorod and Tula Oblasts, and 1 over Astrakhan Oblast.
• A video shows a Russian attack drone stopping its advance to allow an elderly woman to dispose of garbage, highlighting the human element amidst the conflict.
• A video features a Russian electronic warfare (EW) unit commander discussing the challenges posed by Ukrainian drones and the importance of EW in countering them.
• Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove direction.
• Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
• Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the Pokrovsk direction.
• Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater, thereby ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
• Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
• A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
• Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
• Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones approaching Zhytomyr and Ozerne from the northeast.
• Increased drone activity in Kharkiv and Poltava regions, with drones moving west/southwest. New drones entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
• Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones:
  • New drones entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk, moving southwest.
  • Drones in eastern and western Poltava Oblast, moving west.
  • Drones in northeastern Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
  • Drones are reported in the center of Poltava Oblast, moving northwest, and on the west of Sumy Oblast, moving southwest. A drone is reported on the northeast of Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
• One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Two drones west of Poltava, moving northwest. Five drones near Konotop, moving southwest.
• City of Pryluky (Chernihiv Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast.
• The Air Force reports the movement of enemy drones:
  • Drones in the west of Poltava region, course - west / southwest;
  • Drones in the north of Sumy region, course - south-west;
  • Drones in the center of Chernihiv region, course - south / south-west;
  • Drones in the east of Kyiv region, course - west / north-west;
  • Drones on the border of Kirovohrad and Odesa regions, course - west.
• Enemy drone is moving in the direction of Cherkasy from the southeast.
• 1 drone is approaching Boryspil. 2 drones are flying from Poltava region to Cherkasy. 1 drone is flying from Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia. 3 drones are in Pryluky area, heading southwest. 3 new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of drones in Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava Oblast, in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to the south-west and west, in Chernihiv Oblast to the west, and new groups in the east of Kharkiv Oblast to the west.
• Drone movement has been detected in the Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions, specifically near Nizhyn.
• Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
• Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone.
• Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
• Russian forces report that 10 Ukrainian drones were destroyed during a morning attack.
• A Russian drone operator claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
• A Russian source reports that 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.
• Russian forces report that operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of drones in Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava Oblast, in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to the south-west and west, in Chernihiv Oblast to the west, and new groups in the east of Kharkiv Oblast to the west.
• Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones approaching Zhytomyr and Ozerne from the northeast.
• Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
• Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
• Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
• Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone.
• Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
• Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
• Russian forces report that operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
• Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
• Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
• Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
• A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
• 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 in the Kharkiv region.
• A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
• Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
• Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
• Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
• 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.
• Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
• Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
• A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
• Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
• A Russian drone operator claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
• A Russian source reports that 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.
• Russian forces report that operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
• Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone.
• Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
• Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
• Russian forces report that operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
• A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
• Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
• Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
• Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian Baba Yaga drone.
• Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
• A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
• 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 in the Kharkiv region.
• A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
• Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
• Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
• Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
• A video shows drone footage of a Russian soldier loading a modified drone with grenades and deploying it.
• Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone.
• Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
• Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
• Operators of drones from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab" on the Kupyansk front. The drone identified the target, and artillery subsequently destroyed it.
• Russian forces are pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian Air Force reports a high-speed target moving towards Zaporizhzhia.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reports a missile threat in the east and guided aerial bombs being launched towards Kharkiv Oblast.
• A video shows a man expressing thanks for receiving thermal blankets from "Two Majors," a group or individuals, along with those involved in their delivery. The soldier is likely positioned in a cold-weather conflict area, showing a reliance on external logistical support for items like thermal blankets.
• A video shows a soldier, likely Russian, wrapped in a camouflage blanket. The overall tone and details suggest ongoing military operations in cold weather, with the potential for night time activity.
• An image depicts a logistics operation involving a civilian vehicle and a large quantity of camouflage material likely destined for Russian allied forces. The focus on camouflage highlights a potential effort to deceive enemy forces or enhance defensive positions.
• A video provides a snapshot of logistical support for troops in what is likely a cold-weather environment. It shows a shipment of camouflaged thermal covers.
• An image displays a situation map highlighting the intense concentration of Russian troops in a particular area. The 7.97 km distance measurement is most likely a way to gauge the Russian military's line of advance and range.
• An image that is a job posting for actors for a New Year's television show in Ukraine. The specific requirements for actors with scars or disabilities, along with military uniforms, suggests a program with realistic war themes or themes related to military personnel.
• A video presents a highly propagandistic narrative by Ramzan Kadyrov, projecting an image of imminent and total Russian victory in the ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
• An image depicts a deployed and operational Caesar Self-Propelled Howitzer in a rural setting. Its presence indicates mobile long-range artillery capability, suggesting a need for mobility and flexible tactical and strategic use.
• A video depicts Ukrainian border guards apprehending individuals who were attempting to illegally cross a border using an inflatable boat. This highlights ongoing border infiltration attempts, possibly involving smuggling.
• A video captures drone footage demonstrating reconnaissance operations. The video identifies a potential position for an "СПГ-9", indicating heavy weapons placements, and a firing position of the Ukrainian armed forces.
• An image reveals that special forces are preparing for an imminent military operation in the Sumy region of Ukraine. The text suggests a planned action of some kind.
• A video depicts a rural area that has been heavily damaged by artillery fire. Multiple explosions occur, and several buildings catch fire. The use of drone surveillance and thermal imaging indicates active reconnaissance and targeting efforts.
• An image contains a short phrase in Russian: "Special forces in Sumy are preparing. I say - something will happen, it definitely will."
• An image is a screen capture of an article from the German publication Handelsblatt. The article features a quote from Aleksandar Vučić, the president of Serbia. The quote translates to: "With Donald Trump, we will get closer to peace".
• An image is a stark reminder of the grim realities of conflict, highlighting the death, destruction, and potential delays in body recovery. The visual of decomposed remains along with military gear points to a protracted conflict where significant casualties have occurred.
• An image shows an official decree ("УКАЗ") from the Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, dated December 27, 2024. It declares a day of mourning (December 28th) due to a plane crash involving an Embraer 190 on the Baku-Grozny route near Aktau, Kazakhstan on December 25th.
• An image shows a Mi-8 helicopter of the Polish military operating in a field environment. This suggests active transport and logistical support, potentially part of ongoing military operations, exercises, or rapid deployments.
• An image shows a likely logistical operation in a cold-climate region, involving military and civilian personnel. The presence of a military vehicle, boxed supplies, and a structured meeting suggest that support activities are underway.
• An image depicts SBU personnel examining evidence in a makeshift setting, likely as part of an intelligence gathering or law enforcement operation related to the ongoing conflict.
• An image captures a moment in an apparent logistics operation, with supplies being delivered via a green UAZ Patriot. The items appear to be intended for military personnel, as evidenced by the label on a cardboard box and the presence of a military-associated vehicle.
• An image is a clear example of propaganda labeling two individuals as "traitors." It is likely being used in the context of ongoing military operations to shape public opinion, identify perceived collaborators, and contribute to information warfare.
• An image depicts a logistical operation involving the transportation of radio communication equipment via an SUV. This suggests a potential enhancement of communication capabilities, implying an ongoing operation where logistical support is needed.
• An image shows a civilian building in what appears to be an open urban environment. The building itself isn't a high-value military target, but its multiple windows, doorways and relatively central location make it adaptable for temporary refuge, surveillance, or if needed as a base for military use.
• An image is a political cartoon that uses dark humor and symbolism to comment on the situation surrounding forced mobilization and conscription in Russia.
• A video primarily features a Russian self-propelled artillery (SPA) system, specifically a 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, a relatively new system being deployed.
• An image depicts a firefighter in full protective gear, walking towards the viewer against a backdrop of intense fire and destruction.
• A video is a report from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, focusing on a case of illegal privatization of a state-owned building in Kherson. The video features officials, and footage of the planetarium exterior, interior and equipment. It discusses the efforts taken to reclaim the building for state ownership through legal channels.
• An image shows a row of bicycles, likely cargo bikes, with a distinctive basket in front. A banner is prominently displayed on one of the bicycle baskets. It contains Ukrainian text ("Гуманітарна місія ПРОЛІСКА" and "Гуманітарний фонд для України") along with the abbreviation "ГФУ".
• An image shows a large number of tricycles, likely new, lined up. The tricycles are black and appear to be primarily designed for cargo or practical use.
• An image depicts what appears to be a humanitarian aid distribution activity, potentially with a logistically focused aspect to it, rather than direct military operations.
• A document is a decree from the President of the Russian Federation. Specifically, this decree focuses on providing a monthly social benefit to the children of certain categories of military personnel.
• A Presidential Decree from December 26, 2024 highlights ongoing issues with missing soldiers and establishes new monthly social payments related to military service in Russia.
• An image displays a website header for a Ukrainian resource called "На зв'язку" (On Connection).
• An image depicts a press conference being held at what appears to be a media center, specifically associated with "UKRINFORM".
• An image captures a press briefing given by Ukrainian military officers at a UKRINFORM event, indicating a deliberate attempt to communicate official information regarding the ongoing military conflict.
• An image displays a website interface called "На зв'язку" (On Connection), which is hosted on a Ukrainian government domain (zsu.gov.ua).
• A video shows two distinct aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky. The top aircraft appears to be a conventional fighter jet. The bottom aircraft is a unique, stealth-like, flying-wing design.
• A video shows two individuals, likely Russian soldiers, in a destroyed location, handling a Czech-made CZ BREN 2 assault rifle. They are also seen using and demonstrating a Kalash