Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine

Strategic Overview

(January 1, 2025, 21:17 UTC)

Russian forces maintain offensive momentum, particularly in the Donetsk region, with significant advances near Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. Ukrainian forces are strategically withdrawing to consolidate defenses. Drone warfare remains a critical component of the conflict, with extensive use by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct attacks. A new ballistic missile threat has emerged, impacting Kyiv, Shostka, Odesa, and Chornomorsk. Russian forces have reportedly established a bridgehead near Lyman, exerting pressure towards Ivanivka. Reports indicate a potential security breach with an alleged Ukrainian drone strike near the Presidential Office in Kyiv. The complete shutdown of Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe has significant implications for European energy markets. Moldova is facing an energy crisis due to the shutdown of electricity supplies from the Moldovan GRES and the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.

Key Developments (Latest)

• New Year's Greetings and Propaganda: Both Ukrainian and Russian leaders and military units are using the New Year as an opportunity for propaganda and morale-boosting messages. This includes video messages from military units like the 97th Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade and the communications department of the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade. A video from a Russian soldier in a Ded Moroz costume delivering a holiday message.
• Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces successfully used a Magura V5 naval drone equipped with an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile to shoot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea. Extensive drone attacks continue, with reports of 68 drones shot down overnight in Russian regions and continued drone activity near Kyiv and Poltava. Ukrainian drone production has reportedly reached 96% of the front's needs. Ukrainian forces are innovating with shotgun-mounted drones. Reports of drone movements in various regions, including Chernihiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, and Kirovohrad. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a drone threat to Sumy from the south and Kharkiv oblast from the northeast. 19 Ukrainian drones were reportedly destroyed over Belgorod, Kursk, Voronezh, Bryansk, and Rostov Oblasts. Drone attacks are ongoing in the Sumy region. New reports of drone attacks in Voronezh, Rostov, and Taganrog. Reports of drone threats to Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts. Reports of drone activity in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Reports of drones near Antonovka. Reports of drones near Kherson. Reports of drones in Chernihiv and Cherkasy Oblasts. Reports of drones on the border of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. A Russian military blogger reported that Russian troops shot down a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" heavy drone using a Russian kamikaze drone. Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
  • One drone is reported near the Korabelnyi district of Mykolaiv, with potential for loud noise.
  • One drone is reported in the Halytsynove area.
  • Two drones are circling near the Kosa area.
  • One drone is flying from Velyka Korenykha towards the Zavodskyi/Centralnyi district of Mykolaiv, with active engagement reported.
  • An enemy drone is confirmed to be heading towards Mykolaiv from the south.
  • Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
  • Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
  • Reports indicate drones approaching from Tendra towards Odesa/Pivdenne, with an estimated arrival time of 10-15 minutes. The number of drones is being clarified.
  • Mykolaiv Oblast is under threat of enemy drone attacks.
  • Air raid alerts have been issued in Mykolaiv Oblast due to the threat of "Shahed" drones.
  • Enemy drones are moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske/Pivdenne (Odesa Oblast).
  • Drones are reported in Mykolaiv Oblast, approaching from the south.
  • Two drones are reported near Kobleve, and two more are moving from the Tendra Spit towards Ochakiv.
  • Enemy drones are reportedly heading towards Mykolaiv Oblast from the south, with a call for residents of Ochakiv to take shelter.
  • Odesa Oblast is under threat of enemy drone attacks.
  • One drone is approaching Boryspil. Two drones are flying from the Poltava region to Cherkasy. One drone is flying from the Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia. Three drones are in the Pryluky area, heading southwest. Three new drones are flying through the Shostka area, heading southwest.
  • A new group of drones from Sumy Oblast is 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.
  • Several villages in the Grayvoron district of Belgorod Oblast were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack.
  • Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
  • New Update: Three drones are moving from Kharkiv Oblast to Poltava Oblast.
  • New Update: Four drones are approaching Chuhuiv/Kharkiv. Anti-aircraft operations may be active.
  • New Update: Two drones are moving from the east of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to Kharkiv Oblast.
  • New Update: One drone is in the Zlatopil area and has turned towards Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
  • New Update: New Shahed drones from the Black Sea are heading towards the south of Odesa Oblast.
  • New Update: Shahed drones are present in the south of Sumy Oblast, the east of Poltava Oblast, and the west of Kharkiv Oblast, moving northwards.
  • New Update: A new group of Shahed drones is heading from the Black Sea towards the south of the Odesa region.
  • New Update: New Shahed drones are heading towards Odesa Oblast, specifically towards the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district.
  • New Update: Three Shahed drones are approaching Bilyaivka either through or near the town. Three new Shahed drones are moving from the Black Sea towards the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, with one potentially heading towards Ovidiopol.
  • New Update: The Air Force reported:
    • A new group of Shahed drones from the Black Sea heading towards the south of the Odesa region.
    • Shahed drones in the south of the Odesa region heading north.
    • Shahed drones in the south of the Kharkiv region heading northwest.
    • Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the north of the Kharkiv region heading towards the Poltava region.
    • Drones in the east of the Poltava region heading towards Myrhorod.
    • Shahed drones in the east of the Sumy region heading towards the Chernihiv region.
  • New Update: Three Shahed drones are heading towards Kurortne through Bilyaivka. One Shahed drone is circling at the intersection of the Sumy and Poltava regions. Two Shahed drones are moving from the Kharkiv region to the Poltava region. Three Shahed drones are in the Lozova area of the Kharkiv region, heading north.
  • New Update: 3 drones are moving through Bilyaivka towards Kurortne. One drone is circling around the border of Sumy and Poltava oblasts. Two drones are moving from Kharkiv to Poltava. Three drones are in Lozova area, heading north.
  • Update: 3 drones via Rozdilna are heading towards Odesa Oblast.
  • Update: 2 drones via Bilyaivka are heading towards Odesa.
  • Update: 1 new drone from the Black Sea is heading towards Ovidiopol.
  • Update: 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv.
  • Update: 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy.
  • Update: 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest.
  • Update: 1 drone turned towards Odesa, expect loud activity.
  • One drone from the Odesa region is flying towards the Vinnytsia region. One drone is approaching Rozdilna. One drone is flying towards Odesa. The northern direction is being clarified.
  • One drone is flying from the Mykolaiv region towards the Odesa region, to the north of the region.
  • Several Shahed drones detected moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske and Pivdenne.
  • A group of Shahed drones is moving north in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Several Shahed drones are in the center, north, south, and east of Kharkiv Oblast, moving northwest.
  • Several Shahed drones detected moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske and Pivdenne. A group of Shahed drones is moving north in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Several Shahed drones are in the center, north, south, and east of Kharkiv Oblast, moving northwest.
  • A new group of drones from Sumy Oblast is moving towards Poltava Oblast.
  • 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.
  • Enemy drone is moving in the direction of Cherkasy from the southeast.
  • 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.
  • New Update: The Sever Group of Forces’ FPV drone team destroyed a camouflaged position of an AFU mortar in Sumy region.
  • A drone is approaching Mykolaiv.
  • New groups of drones are entering Mykolaiv Oblast from Kherson and the Black Sea.
  • Cherkasy Oblast is under threat of an enemy drone attack from the northeast.
  • A drone is flying in the Uman district towards Bila Tserkva.
  • Kyiv is under threat of an attack from drones approaching from the Cherkasy Oblast.
  • Reports of one drone in the west of Kirovohrad region, moving north, one drone in the center and one in the northeast of Odesa region, moving north, one drone in the northeast of Kharkiv region, moving west/southwest, and one drone in the center of Sumy region, moving southwest.
  • Reports of one drone in the west of Chernihiv region, one drone in the west of Zhytomyr region, one drone in the south of Dnipropetrovsk region, and a new group of drones in Sumy region, moving west.
  • Reports of one drone in the west of Chernihiv region, moving southwest, one drone north of Kropyvnytskyi, one drone in the north of Mykolaiv region, and one drone south of Kryvyi Rih, moving north.
• Ballistic Missile Threat: Active air defense in Kyiv against Iskander and guided air missiles, with threats to Kyiv, Shostka, Odesa, and Chornomorsk. The Ukrainian Air Force reported a threat of ballistic weapons from the east.
• Russian Advances: Russian forces continue to make gains, particularly in the Donetsk region. They have reportedly liberated Novotroitske (DPR) and are advancing in Chasiv Yar and Dzerzhinsk. In the Kursk region, they have secured a foothold in Cherkaska Konopelka and made progress in the wooded areas of the Sudzhansky district. Russian forces are also making advances west of Myrnohrad, controlling Vozdvizhenka and a major strongpoint along the C-05-09-07 highway. Russian forces are reportedly advancing towards Yantarne in the Kurakhove direction. Russian forces report liberating Lozovaya in the Kharkiv region. Russian forces report liberating Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and Gigant in the Kurakhove direction. Russian forces report occupying a forest belt south of Zelenivka in the Kurakhove direction. Russian forces report advancing on Yantarnoye in the Kurakhove direction. Russian forces are pushing towards Toretsk. Russian forces have established a bridgehead near Lyman, exerting pressure on Ivanivka. Heavy fighting reported near Novovasylivka.
• Air Activity: Continued air activity is reported, with the take-off of a MiG-31K and the launch of X-22 missiles. Russian forces launched six Tu-22M3 strategic bombers and X-22 missiles. Eight TU-22M3 bombers were also reported active. The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of enemy tactical aviation in the north-eastern direction and the threat of using aviation weapons for front-line regions. The launch of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation on Kharkiv region is reported. Reports of guided air bombs launched on Sumy region. Reports of guided air bombs launched on Zaporizhzhia region. Reports of guided air bombs launched on Donetsk region.
• Attacks on Infrastructure: Attacks on infrastructure have been reported in Shostka, with damage to 12 apartment buildings, 2 educational institutions, and several infrastructure facilities. Reports of a Ukrainian drone strike near the Presidential Office in Kyiv, indicating a potential security breach. A bridge over the Volchya River was reportedly destroyed in the Kurakhove direction. An oil depot in the Smolensk region of Russia was reportedly attacked by 11 drones, resulting in damage to two 700 cubic meter fuel tanks. A fire occurred in a cemetery building in Kharkiv, killing two people.
• Ukrainian Military Losses: Russian sources claim that Ukrainian forces have lost at least three battalions in the Kurakhove direction in recent weeks.
• Reports of a Ukrainian delegation visit to Damascus: A Ukrainian delegation reportedly visited Damascus, expressing interest in acquiring jihadists and weapons.
• Czech Foreign Minister's Statement: The Czech Foreign Minister emphasized that peace begins with holding Russia accountable and reaffirmed Czech support for Ukraine.
• Training of Ukrainian Pilots: 200 Ukrainian aviators have completed basic training in the UK, including flying F-16s.
• Russian-Chinese Cooperation on AI: Reports indicate Russia and China are deepening cooperation on artificial intelligence to challenge the US.
• Mobilization and Deployment Issues in Ukrainian Forces: Reports suggest Ukrainian soldiers are being sent to the front lines immediately after training, with some going missing within days. Video evidence suggests that after being captured by the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCC), Ukrainian forces are being taught to "love" their homeland before being sent to the front lines.
• Pro-Russian Blogger Hospitalized: Kirill Fedorov, a prominent pro-Russian blogger, has been hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia.
• Public Opinion Poll: A poll indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are the most trusted institution in Ukraine, with over 70% of respondents having relatives who have fought or are fighting in the war.
• Frontline Report from Seversk Direction: Ukrainian forces are continuing to destroy Russian forces near Verkhnokamyanske and reportedly advanced 900 meters south of Vyimka.
• Prisoner Exchange: 189 Ukrainian POWs and civilians were returned, while Russian sources report 150. The exchange was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. The released Russian soldiers are currently in Belarus receiving medical and psychological assistance. Ukrainian soldiers are also undergoing rehabilitation.
• US Aid Package: The US announced a final aid package for Ukraine from the Biden administration, totaling $15 billion in credit secured by frozen Russian assets. An additional $2.5 billion was also provided, along with hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and rockets. Future aid packages will need to be negotiated with the potential Trump administration.
• New Ukrainian Military Ombudsman: President Zelensky appointed Olga Reshetilova as the new military ombudsman, responsible for protecting the rights of servicemen and their families.
• Terrorist Attack in New Orleans: The FBI is investigating an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans, where a vehicle rammed into a crowd, killing 10 and wounding dozens. The perpetrator reportedly served in the US military. A separate incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck explosion near a Trump hotel in Las Vegas resulted in one death and seven injuries.
• Drone Attack on National Bank of Ukraine: A drone attack on the National Bank of Ukraine in Kyiv caused minor damage.
• Torchlight Procession in Lviv: A torchlight procession was held in Lviv in honor of Stepan Bandera. A video purportedly shows the participants extinguishing a Jewish menorah.
• Shortage of Shotguns on the Frontline: Reports indicate a shortage of shotguns on the frontline, particularly for units involved in logistics and evacuation.
• Magnetic Storm: A powerful magnetic storm, G4 level, is impacting Earth, potentially causing disruptions to communications and navigation.
• Fundraising Campaign: A new fundraising campaign has been launched to support the production of armor for military vehicles. The campaign aims to raise 2,000,000 rubles to produce armor for 21 vehicles. As of now, 1,405,924 rubles have been collected.
• Casualty Reports: The Ukrainian General Staff reports 186 combat clashes, with significant Russian losses including 2,010 personnel, 7 tanks, 22 armored combat vehicles, 44 artillery systems, 31 operational-tactical UAVs, and 141 vehicles. Russian military sources report that Ukrainian forces suffered 597,032 casualties in 2024.
• Air Activity in Sumy Region: The Ukrainian Air Force reports the launch of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the Sumy region.
• Netherlands Ministry of Defense Statement: Following drone attacks on Kyiv, the Netherlands Minister of Defense emphasized the need for European countries to strengthen their own defense capabilities.

Other Recent Developments

• Renewed attack on Lgov with 8 Storm Shadow missiles.
• Air Defense Activity in Kyiv.
• Drone Attacks in North Ossetia.
• New Drone Attacks in Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Zhytomyr Oblasts.
• Subway Shelter Usage in Kyiv.
• Russian Naval Successes.
• New Year's Greetings from Russian Celebrities.
• New Fundraising Campaign.
• New Year's Greetings from Ukrainian Forces.
• Arrest Warrant for Former South Korean President.
• Air Raid Alerts Lifted across Ukraine.
• Drone Attack on Bryansk Oblast.
• New Year's Greetings from the Police of Khabarovsk Krai.
• New Advertisement for a Mobile Game.
• New Russian Missile and Drone Attacks.
• Praise for Russian General.
• Air Raid Alerts Lifted in Kyiv.
• Propaganda Efforts.
• Report of non-public part of negotiations between Ukrainian delegation and Damascus.
• Claim of potential appearance of Chechen fighters in the Special Military Operation zone.
• Report of Russian forces being attacked by soldiers from the Foreign Legion under Pokrovsk.
• Three Russian soldiers were released from hospitals.
• Appointment of former head of Kyiv Regional State Administration.
• Report on the downing of a Russian helicopter by a Ukrainian drone.
• Southwest of Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk): Reports of Russian successes in the village of Solenoye.
• Use of Fireworks and Impact on Veterans.
• Opening of Transport Interchange in Grozny.
• EU Funding to Hungary.
• New Year's Greetings from Ukrainian and Russian Leaders.
• Delivery of New Tanks to Russian Forces.
• Oil Spill in Anapa.
• Alleged Ukrainian Drone Strike Near Presidential Office.
• Ukrainian Military Awards in Kursk Direction.
• Symbolic Messaging and Propaganda.
• Military Situation Maps.
• Damage to Civilian Infrastructure.
• Alleged Use of Old Footage by Ukraine.
• Air Activity Over Russia.
• Attacks in Kharkiv Oblast.
• Military Engagements.
• Russian Losses.
• Explosions and Drone Attacks.
• SpaceX and Starlink.
• Potential Assault in Kherson Region.
• Russian Military Training.
• Fundraising Campaigns.
• HIMARS Strike in Kherson Oblast.
• No Lump-Sum Payments for Contracted Prisoners.
• Increase in Crimes Committed by Migrants in Russia.
• Sabotage in Tver.
• Map Updates.
• Game Advertisement.
• Russian Soldier's Video.
• Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant.
• Ukrainian Reactions to Zelensky.
• Casualty Reports.
• Russian MoD Summary.
• Territorial Control.
• Ukrainian Military Videos.
• Shelter in Zaporizhzhia.
• US Ambassador's Statement.
• Frontline Greetings for Aid Workers.
• Ukrainian Drone Attacks.
• Fundraising for Drones.
• Airspace Control Efforts.
• Moldova's demands for gas supplies from Russia.
• Shooting in Montenegro.

Situation 6 Hours - 3 Days Ago

Strategic Overview (December 30, 2024, 12:17 UTC)

The military situation was highly volatile, with intense fighting in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Russian forces were making substantial advances around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction, leveraging their advantage in drone warfare. Ukrainian forces were engaged in a fighting withdrawal towards the Dnipro River, employing counter-drone measures and inflicting losses on Russian troops and equipment.

Key Developments (December 30, 2024, 12:17 UTC)

• Russian forces liberated Novotroitske (DPR) and were fighting in Chasiv Yar, controlling over half the city and the railway station.
• Ukrainian forces were withdrawn to the main defense line near the border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
• Russian forces took control of a garage cooperative in Kurakhove and advanced in the western part of the city near the Kurakhove thermal power plant.
• In the Kursk region, Russian forces secured a foothold in Cherkaska Konopelka and made progress in the wooded areas of the Sudzhansky district.
• Ukrainian forces were redeploying reinforcements to the Kursk area.
• Video and photographic evidence confirmed the liberation of Lozova by Russian forces.
• Slovak Minister of Defense, Robert Kaliňák, stated that Ukraine might have to cede territory to Russia.
• Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that Russia will not participate in the "peace summit" organized by Ukraine.
• Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces attacked with 43 drones overnight, with 21 shot down and 22 missing their targets.
• Russian forces improved positions in Novovasylivka, Novoelizavetovka, Vozdvyzhenka, Peschanoe, and Shevchenko.
• Ukrainian forces conducted various drone strike operations, targeting Russian command posts, equipment, and personnel.
• Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU reported that Russia is integrating AI into Shahed drones.
• Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
• Russian forces reported needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts.
• Latvia planned to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and allocate 20 million euros for drone procurement in 2025.
• Video evidence of drone attacks on Ukrainian forces personnel and equipment.
• The Pentagon was reportedly "in the process of transferring" hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and rockets to Ukraine.
• The US announced it would provide Ukraine with $15 billion, secured by future income from frozen Russian assets.
• Reports of North Korean troops fighting on the Russian side in the Kursk region.
• Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region.
• Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
• Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week.
• Explosions were reported in Kyiv-controlled Kherson.
• Video evidence suggested a Russian soldier was targeted and killed by Ukrainian forces using a thermal-scoped weapon.
• An interview with a resident of Selidovo (Donetsk region) detailed alleged atrocities committed by Ukrainian forces.
• The head of the Syrian administration stated that the new Syrian authorities do not want Russia to leave their country.
• Israel's El Al airline canceled all flights to Moscow until March 2025.
• A resident of Zaporizhzhia, a retired lieutenant colonel of the militia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for treason.
• Poland announced plans to build a road to the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region in 2025 for the rapid deployment of troops and security forces if necessary.
• Russian forces reported destroying another German Leopard 1A5 tank near Shevchenko, south of Krasnoarmeysk.
• Ukrainian forces reported that the 37th Separate Marine Brigade repelled a "meat assault" by Russian forces in the Kurakhove direction.
• On December 25th, Russian sources claimed further advances towards Dimitrov and the liberation of Veselyi Gai.
• Russian forces were storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
• An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
• Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny.
• On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards various locations.
• A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
• Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area of the Kursk Region.
• The "Sever" group of forces was engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line of the Kursk Region.
• Russian forces were clearing Russkoye Porechnoye and advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
• The Russian Army was conducting a powerful offensive on the Kursk front.
• Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
• Calculations of the MLRS "Grad" group of troops "North" destroyed strongholds and infantry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
• Russian forces reportedly liberated Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kamyshovka.
• Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• South of Kruhlenky, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka.

Strategic Overview (December 30, 2024, 13:17 UTC)

Russian forces continued their offensive operations in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, making significant advances around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. They leveraged their advantage in drone warfare and reportedly took control of the railway station in Chasiv Yar. Ukrainian forces were engaged in a fighting withdrawal towards the Dnipro River in some areas, employing counter-drone measures and inflicting losses on Russian troops and equipment.

Key Developments (December 30, 2024, 13:17 UTC)

• Russian forces reportedly took control of Novoolenivka, Donetsk People's Republic.
• Fighting continued in Belogorovka, with Ukrainian forces reportedly destroying a temporary deployment point of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Russian forces reported destroying another German Leopard 1A5 tank near Shevchenko, south of Krasnoarmeysk.
• Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region.
• Russian forces were storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
• On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards various locations.
• Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area of the Kursk Region.
• The "Sever" group of forces was engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line of the Kursk Region.
• Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
• The Russian Army was conducting a powerful offensive on the Kursk front.
• Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
• Calculations of the MLRS "Grad" group of troops "North" destroyed strongholds and infantry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
• Russian forces reportedly liberated Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kamyshovka.
• Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• South of Kruhlenky, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka.
• The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly liberated Elizavetovka.
• The commander of the battalion "Cedar" of the 80th Tank Regiment reported on the capture of Novoalyonovka in the Donetsk People's Republic.
• Footage from the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Hartiya" showed drone operations targeting enemy infantry, mortar nests, and shelters of UAV operators.
• A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
• Units of the "Center" group installed a flag in the liberated Novoolenivka.
• Russian forces had repelled a Ukrainian attempt to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region.
• Russian forces had broken through to the railway station in the western part of Chasiv Yar and secured it.
• Russian forces advanced near Terny, Vozdvyzhenka, Novoukrainka, Uspenivka, Dalne, Sontsivka, Novoelizavetivka, Vovkove, Kurakhove, and Shevchenko.

Assessment

The situation in Ukraine is rapidly evolving, with Russian forces making significant gains, particularly in the Donetsk region. Drone warfare remains a critical aspect, with both sides utilizing drones extensively. International support for Ukraine continues, with the US providing additional military aid, but divisions within the EU may be emerging. The information warfare dimension remains significant, with both sides actively shaping the narrative through propaganda and disinformation. The coming days and weeks will likely see further developments, with the potential for escalation and significant shifts in the balance of power. The international community's response and support for Ukraine will play a crucial role in shaping the conflict's outcome.

Updated Situation as of January 1, 2025, 20:47 UTC

Russian forces maintain offensive momentum, especially in the Donetsk region, with notable progress in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction. Ukrainian forces are executing a strategic withdrawal, aiming to fortify defenses. Drone warfare remains pivotal, featuring extensive reconnaissance, targeting, and attack operations by both sides. A new ballistic missile threat complicates the situation, affecting Kyiv, Shostka, Odesa, and Chornomorsk. A potential security lapse is indicated by reports of a Ukrainian drone near the Presidential Office in Kyiv. Russian forces have reportedly established a bridgehead near Lyman, exerting pressure towards Ivanivka.

Latest Developments

• Propaganda and Morale: Both sides utilize New Year's messages for propaganda, including statements from military units like the 97th Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade.
• Drone Warfare: A Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone downed a Russian Mi-8 near Crimea. Reports of 68 drones downed in Russian territories and ongoing drone activities near Kyiv and Poltava. Russian forces reportedly shot down a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" heavy drone using a Russian kamikaze drone.
• Ballistic Missile Threats: Active air defense in Kyiv against Iskander and guided air missiles, with threats to Kyiv, Shostka, Odesa, and Chornomorsk.
• Russian Advances: Gains in Donetsk, liberation of Novotroitske (DPR), and advances in Chasiv Yar and Dzerzhinsk. In Kursk, a foothold in Cherkaska Konopelka and progress in Sudzhansky district. Advances west of Myrnohrad, controlling Vozdvizhenka. Russian forces have established a bridgehead near Lyman, exerting pressure on Ivanivka.
• Air Activity: MiG-31K take-off, X-22 missile launches, and strategic bomber activities.
• Infrastructure Attacks: Damage in Shostka affecting multiple buildings and an alleged drone strike near Kyiv's Presidential Office. A fire occurred in a cemetery building in Kharkiv, resulting in fatalities.
• Military Losses: Ukrainian forces reportedly lost three battalions in Kurakhove.
• Syrian Delegation: Ukrainian delegation in Damascus seeking jihadists and weapons.
• Gas Transit Shutdown: Complete halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe.

Previous Report (2025-01-01 20:51:11Z)