Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 2, 2025, 01:17 UTC

Strategic Overview

Russian forces maintain offensive momentum, particularly in the Donetsk region, with significant advances near Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. They have made further advances near Vovkove, Novoielizavetivka, Solone, Vozdvyzhenka, and the southern outskirts of Kurakhove. Russian forces have reportedly established a bridgehead near Lyman, exerting pressure towards Ivanivka. Ukrainian forces are strategically withdrawing to consolidate defenses, particularly towards the Dnipro River in some areas. 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. 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 Updates)

Continued Intense Drone Activity

• 1 drone is approaching Bashtanka.
• 1 drone is moving from Kosa towards Rybakivka.
• 1 drone is north of Cherkasy, moving south.
• 1 drone is southeast of Cherkasy, circling.
• 1 drone is moving towards/through Kremenchuk.
• 4 drones are in the Poltava area.
• 2 drones are moving from Sumy Oblast to Poltava Oblast.
• 1 drone is in the Pryluky area.
• 2 drones are in the east of Chernihiv Oblast, moving towards Nizhyn.
• 3 drones are moving from Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava Oblast.
• 7 drones are in the Lozova area of Kharkiv Oblast, moving south.
• 1 drone is moving towards/through Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast.
• 7 drones are moving from Sumy Oblast to Poltava Oblast.
• 2 drones are over Shostka, moving west.
• 1 drone is in the north of Chernihiv Oblast.
• 5 drones are west of Balakliia, moving west.
• Enemy drones are in Myrhorod (Poltava Oblast), approaching from the northeast.
• Drones are in the east of Kharkiv Oblast, moving west/southwest.
• Drones are in the north, center, and south of Sumy Oblast, moving southwest.
• Drones are in the northeast of Poltava Oblast, moving southwest.
• Drones are in the north and center of Chernihiv Oblast, moving west/southwest.
• New enemy drones are present in the east and north of Sumy region, moving south/southwest.
• 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.
• Air defense activity reported in Kyiv Oblast due to the movement of hostile drones.
• Enemy drone reported near Poltava from the east.
• Updates on the movement of enemy drones:
  • Drones in the east and south of Kharkiv Oblast, moving west/southwest/southeast.
  • Drones in the center and south of Sumy Oblast, moving southeast.
  • Drones in the center of Poltava Oblast, moving southwest.
  • Drones in the north and south of Chernihiv Oblast, moving west/southwest.
  • Drones in the east of Cherkasy Oblast, moving northwest.
  • Drones in the northeast of Kherson Oblast, moving northwest.
  • Enemy drone reported near Poltava from the north. Residents urged to remain in shelters.
• Enemy drones are moving from the Black Sea towards Ochakiv.
• Kirovohrad Oblast is under threat of enemy drone attacks from the northeast and south.
• Kremenchuk (Poltava Oblast) is under threat from drones approaching from the northeast.
• Updates on the movement of enemy drones:
  • Drones are in the east, south, and southwest of Kharkiv Oblast, moving west/southwest/southeast.
  • Drones are in the east of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, moving south.
  • Drones are in the center and south of Sumy Oblast, moving southwest.
  • Drones are in the center of Poltava Oblast, moving southwest.
  • Drones are in the northeast and center of Chernihiv Oblast, moving west/southwest.
  • Drones are in the northeast and southwest of Mykolaiv Oblast, moving northwest.
• 2 drones in the Voznesensk area, moving northwest.
• 2 drones in the Nizhyn area.
• 5 drones moving towards/through Pryluky, moving west.
• 1 drone north of Chernihiv.
• 4 drones in the Poltava area.
• 5 drones from Kharkiv Oblast moving into Poltava Oblast.
• 5 drones in the Pershotravneve area, moving west.
• 1 drone is approaching Samara.
• 1 drone is north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, moving west.
• Dnipro is under threat from a drone approaching from the southeast.
• 1 drone has left Mykolaiv Oblast in the direction of Vinnytsia.
• 5 drones are at the intersection of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts, moving west.
• 1 drone is north of Kamianka, moving northwest.
• 5 drones from Kharkiv Oblast have moved into Poltava Oblast, flying south of Poltava in a western direction.
• 1 drone is north of Poltava, moving west.
• 1 drone is east of Chernihiv, moving southwest.
• 1 drone is moving towards/through Pryluky.
• Guided aerial bombs are being used on Kupiansk.
• Vinnytsia Oblast is under threat of enemy drone attacks from the south.

Russian Military Actions and Advances

• South of Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk): Russian forces advanced towards Udachne and the highway to Krasnoarmiisk on January 1st. The remnants of the Kurakhove salient are shrinking daily.
• Increased Activity of Russian Tactical Aviation: Activity is reported in the northeastern direction, with a threat of the use of air-delivered ordnance in the frontline regions. Launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aircraft have been reported in Sumy Oblast and on Kupiansk.
• Destruction of Ukrainian Equipment and Communication: Calculations of attack UAVs of the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group continue active destruction of enemy observation and communication equipment in the Velyka Novosilka area. Antennas, Starlink terminals, and cameras are all identified and targeted.
• Video evidence showcases a series of drone-guided strikes against various enemy targets by the 27th brigade near Kupiansk, demonstrating the effective use of drones for surveillance, precision attacks, and combat effectiveness.

Ukrainian Actions

• Drone Attacks on Russia: The "Carpet" plan was implemented at Kazan airport due to a drone threat, and Russian air defense activity was reported near Bryansk. A Ukrainian drone was reportedly detected and destroyed over Bryansk Oblast, with no casualties or damage reported. Another Ukrainian drone was reportedly detected and destroyed over Bryansk Oblast.

Other Significant Developments

• Interview with Ex-British Army Soldier: An interview with ex-British Army soldier Hayden William Davis, fighting for the International Legion in Ukraine, reveals disillusionment due to lack of training, equipment, and alleged orders to commit war crimes. He mentions 9 suicides within his regiment due to the difficult situation on the front and claims he was forced to hide in a bunker in the Donbas region for months. He encountered a Russian soldier who gave him a cigarette and helped him to safety. Davis describes receiving weapons without ammunition and highlights significant logistical and morale issues within the Ukrainian forces.
• Testimony from a Belgorod Hospital Volunteer: A volunteer visiting a hospital in Belgorod reported a shocking number of severely injured soldiers, with up to 1,000 new arrivals daily. The volunteer described soldiers with horrific injuries, including loss of limbs, facial features, and even half of their bodies. This testimony suggests a high casualty rate for Russian forces and a significant strain on their medical resources, potentially indicating morale problems and a challenging situation on the front lines. It also suggests potential issues with the accuracy of official casualty reports.
• Terrorist Attacks in the US: The death toll from the terrorist attack in New Orleans has risen to 15, with over 60 injured. The attack is recognized as an act of terrorism, and the perpetrator, who was killed, was found to be associated with ISIS. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack. The scale of the attack was intended to be larger, involving bomb explosions. There are reports that the tragedies in New Orleans and Las Vegas might be connected, as the cars in both cases were rented through the same service.
• Elon Musk's Statements: Elon Musk confirmed that the Cybertruck explosion was caused by "very large fireworks or a bomb" in the rented vehicle and was not related to the vehicle itself. All telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion. Tesla's senior team is investigating. Musk stated that he had never seen anything like this with Cybertruck vehicles and promised to conduct an investigation.
• Shooting in Montenegro: The individual responsible for shooting 10 people in Montenegro has died after attempting suicide, according to the country's Interior Minister.

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.
• Terrorist attack in New Orleans.
• Explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck near a Trump hotel in Las Vegas.
• Montenegro authorities to discuss a complete ban on gun ownership.
• Shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro.
• Death of Former State Duma Deputy Viktor Alksnis: Former State Duma deputy Viktor Alksnis died at the age of 74 after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke on December 30th. He served as a People's Deputy of the USSR from 1989-1991, a deputy of the Supreme Council of Latvia from 1990-1991, a State Duma deputy from 2000-2007, and headed the urban settlement of Tuchkovo in the Moscow region from 2013-2015.
• Russian New Year's celebration at a facility likely affiliated with the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, implying a lower operational tempo at the location, a period of rest, or the possibility of a tactical deception. It also shows support for personnel and is used for public relations.
• Video evidence showcases a coordinated military operation involving the targeting of critical communication assets. The destruction of a communication tower, likely a relay point, and a Starlink terminal using a drone and precision weapons suggests an effort to disrupt the enemy's command and control networks, deny access to satellite internet, and achieve information superiority in an ongoing conflict. This indicates an increasing level of sophistication in modern military operations. The successful attack and capture of the operation on video strongly indicates a purpose of propaganda or intimidation as well.
• The drone light show video demonstrates technology with clear potential military applications, despite being an entertainment display. While lacking explicit military actions, the video showcases the sophisticated control and maneuvering of large drone fleets, which can be used for surveillance, targeting, electronic warfare, and psychological operations. The video does not show explicit military activity, so there's no evidence of current military operations. The video’s significance lies in its demonstration of the underlying technological capacity that could be leveraged for military purposes. This includes surveillance, targeted drone swarm attacks, psychological messaging, or even acts of disguised operations.
• The video displays a sophisticated drone swarm demonstration, a capability that has several military implications. While not an active combat scenario, it highlights the advancements in drone technology that could impact reconnaissance, surveillance, psychological operations, and counter-drone strategies. This would signal a potential change of capabilities and potential change of strategy in a military adversary and requires a reevaluation of the strategic environment.
• The drone light show video showcases a nation's advanced technological capacity in drone operation, particularly their synchronization and coordination capabilities in a complex nighttime urban environment. While the video depicts civilian entertainment, the technological overlap with military drone applications is clear. This analysis highlights the potential for dual use of this technology for military purposes, regional power projection, and the psychological impact of showcasing technological capability. Additionally, the video highlights the potential for misinterpretation or escalation of tensions given the increasing military reliance on drone technology.

Situation 6 Hours - 3 Days Ago

The provided information details military situations from three different times: December 30, 2024, 12:17 UTC, December 30, 2024, 13:17 UTC, and December 31, 2024, 04:17 UTC. Each time frame presents a strategic overview and key developments, primarily focusing on the conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Here's a consolidated summary of the situations:

Strategic Overviews

• December 30, 2024, 12:17 UTC: The situation was highly volatile with intense fighting in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Russian forces made substantial advances around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction, leveraging drone warfare. Ukrainian forces were engaged in a fighting withdrawal towards the Dnipro River, employing counter-drone measures.
• December 30, 2024, 13:17 UTC: Russian forces continued their offensive in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, making significant advances in the same areas as before. They controlled the railway station in Chasiv Yar. Ukrainian forces were withdrawing towards the Dnipro River in some areas, using counter-drone measures.
• December 31, 2024, 04:17 UTC: Intense fighting continued, with significant Russian gains in the Donetsk region. Drone warfare was central, with new reports of drone activity in various oblasts. Ukrainian forces faced challenges but continued to resist, reporting advances in the Kursk region and near Kreminna.

Key Developments Across the Time Frames

• Russian Advances: Russian forces liberated Novotroitske (DPR), were fighting in Chasiv Yar (controlling over half the city and the railway station), and took control of a garage cooperative in Kurakhove. They advanced in the western part of Kurakhove near the thermal power plant. In the Kursk region, they secured a foothold in Cherkaska Konopelka and made progress in the Sudzhansky district.
• Ukrainian Actions: Ukrainian forces were withdrawn to the main defense line near the border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. They redeployed reinforcements to the Kursk area and conducted various drone strike operations.
• Drone Warfare: Extensive use of drones by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Russia integrated AI into Shahed drones. Ukrainian forces innovated with shotgun-mounted drones and reported a 19-fold increase in drone supply in 2024.
• International Involvement: Slovak Minister of Defense suggested Ukraine might have to cede territory to Russia. The US announced a $15 billion aid package to Ukraine. Reports of North Korean troops fighting on the Russian side in the Kursk region. Latvia planned to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine.
• Other Significant Events: Ukrainian Air Force reported Russian attacks with drones, some of which were shot down. The Pentagon was in the process of transferring artillery shells and rockets to Ukraine. Reports of atrocities committed by Ukrainian forces and various drone attacks and military engagements.

Summary of the Military Situation

• Russian forces are making significant advances in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, leveraging drone warfare and achieving strategic gains around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Chasiv Yar.
• Ukrainian forces are engaged in strategic withdrawals, reinforcing defenses, and employing counter-drone measures. They report some advances in the Kursk region and near Kreminna.
• Drone warfare is a critical element, with both sides extensively using drones. Russia has reportedly integrated AI into its drones, while Ukraine is innovating and increasing its drone supply.
• International involvement includes financial and military aid to Ukraine from the US and plans by Latvia to transfer drones. There are also reports of North Korean troops fighting on the Russian side.
• The situation is highly volatile, with ongoing intense fighting, strategic movements, and significant developments in drone warfare and international support.

Updated Situation

Russian forces continue their offensive, making significant gains, particularly in the Donetsk region, with reports of heavy Ukrainian losses in the Kurakhove direction and the capture of the Kurakhivska Thermal Power Plant. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal, attempting to consolidate their defenses while also reporting advances in the Kursk region and near Kreminna. Drone warfare remains a critical component, with ongoing drone activity reported in multiple regions, including near Kyiv, Poltava, and now Kirovohrad. Russian forces are actively using drones to target and eliminate Ukrainian manpower, and there are reports of Ukrainian drones successfully targeting Russian helicopters.

A new and significant development is the emergence of a ballistic missile threat, particularly targeting Kyiv and Shostka. Air defense systems are active in Kyiv, and strikes have been reported in Shostka. The threat of ballistic missiles from Bryansk and Kursk adds complexity to the situation. The recent attack on Lgov using Storm Shadow missiles highlights Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities and their potential impact on Russian military assets within Russia itself. The reported casualties and damage underscore the effectiveness of these Western-supplied weapons.

The humanitarian situation is worsening, and international support remains vital for Ukraine. The US has announced a significant aid package, and the appointment of a new Ukrainian military ombudsman signals a focus on the rights and well-being of servicemen. The geopolitical landscape is in flux, with potential shifts in alliances and strategies emerging. The reported Russian plans for a potential war with Japan and South Korea, although based on older documents, add a new dimension to the conflict's potential expansion. The Ukrainian delegation's visit to Damascus and the reported interest in acquiring jihadists and weapons from Syria introduce a new and potentially controversial element to the conflict. The potential involvement of Chechen fighters on the Ukrainian side could further escalate the conflict and introduce new dynamics. The interview with the ex-British soldier highlights significant issues within the International Legion fighting for Ukraine, including lack of training, equipment, and alleged war crimes.

Recruitment efforts in Ukraine are ongoing, with over 32,000 applications to recruitment centers. The reported Ukrainian losses in the Kurakhove direction highlight the intensity of the fighting and the need for continued recruitment and reinforcement. The fundraising campaign for Ukrainian paratroopers underscores the ongoing need for resources and equipment, particularly drones, which have proven to be crucial in the conflict.

The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and significant developments in the coming days and weeks. The new ballistic missile threat, coupled with the continued drone warfare and ground offensives, indicates a complex and dangerous phase in the conflict. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with ongoing discussions about further support for Ukraine and potential responses to Russian aggression. The terrorist attacks in the US and the shooting in Montenegro, while not directly related to the conflict, add to the global climate of instability and uncertainty.

Response from 2024-12-30 18:21:20 (6h-3d old):

Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - December 30, 2024, 18:17 UTC

Strategic Overview

Russian forces maintain offensive operations primarily in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, with notable advances near Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. They leverage their advantage in drone warfare and have seized control of the railway station in Chasiv Yar and the Kurakhivska Thermal Power Plant. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal towards the Dnipro River in some areas, employing counter-drone measures and inflicting losses on Russian troops and equipment.

A significant prisoner exchange occurred, with 189 Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians returned home, including defenders of Azovstal, Mariupol, Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Zmiinyi Island, and those fighting on multiple fronts. The exchange was confirmed by Ukrainian President Zelensky and facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. Russian sources report 150 soldiers were returned in the exchange.

Key Developments in the Last 6 Hours

• Drone Warfare:
  • Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
  • Video evidence shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
  • Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.
  • Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
  • Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian Buk missile system.
  • A Ukrainian drone attack targeted a hospital in Aleshki (Kherson Oblast), resulting in casualties.
  • Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones.
  • 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.
  • Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
  • A video released by the "Archangel of the Special Forces" unit shows a fake drone allegedly used to shoot down Russian Geran drones. The video also shows what it claims to be the downing of Russian drones over the Mykolaiv region.
  • Drone operators from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab" on the Kupyansk front.
  • A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used.
  • Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
  • Russian forces tracked the route of a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone and destroyed a supply drop.
  • Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
  • A new group of drones from Sumy Oblast is moving towards Poltava Oblast.
  • 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.
  • Drone operators from the "Center" group reportedly eliminated a Ukrainian observation post in the Pokrovsk direction.
  • Drone operators from the "Center" group continue to hunt for Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk direction.
  • Drone operators from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
  • Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel.
  • A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
  • Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
  • 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.
  • Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove 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.
  • 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.
  • The Air Force reports the movement of enemy drones.
  • 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.
  • Russian drone operator claims to have destroyed a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
  • Over 10 drones were reportedly detected and destroyed in the suburbs of Voronezh and several districts of the region.
  • Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
  • Residents of Nizhyn (Chernihiv region) are advised to take shelter due to the threat of an enemy drone.
  • 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.
  • Video evidence likely shows a drone recording of a military engagement in the Kurakhove direction where soldiers from the 68th tank regiment are shown to have successfully advanced, taking an enemy position and surprising reinforcements.
  • Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. The footage depicts a rapid advance by the Russian battalion and confirms that at least two of the enemy combatants were incapacitated.
  • Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine.
  • Ukrainian forces, specifically pilots and infantrymen of the 5th Rifle Battalion of the 28th OMBr, used drones to force five Russian soldiers to surrender near Toretsk.
  • A video shows the results of an attack on Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk area by the 414th Separate Brigade "Birds of Magyar," including the destruction of a motorcycle with Russian military personnel on it.
  • The "Baltic Group" of the 59th Motorized Brigade used drones to target and destroy a Russian BMP, 5 soldiers, a motorcycle, and a pickup truck.
  • 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted drone strike operation in Shevchenko.
  • Drone operators from the Ivanovo Airborne Forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank near Chasiv Yar.
  • Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
  • Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
  • Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
  • Video shows a drone strike on a convoy of vehicles. The vehicles appear to be civilian models, possibly indicating their use in a military or paramilitary capacity due to the context. The use of civilian vehicles could be a tactic to blend in with civilian traffic or to overcome shortages of military vehicles. The presence of smoke from one of the vehicles suggests it has been hit and is either on fire or severely damaged. The drone footage suggests the convoy was under surveillance and then targeted. This indicates a capability for precision strikes, which is common in modern warfare where drones are used for both reconnaissance and attack. The attack on the convoy is likely to disrupt the movement of troops or supplies. The success of such strikes can degrade the enemy's logistical capabilities and morale. The use of drones to both monitor and strike targets is a cost-effective way to engage enemy forces, reducing the risk to manned aircraft and ground troops. The video may also be used for propaganda purposes, to demonstrate the effectiveness of drone warfare and to showcase military successes.
  • Video evidence suggests a Russian soldier was targeted and killed by Ukrainian forces using a thermal-scoped weapon, likely a drone-dropped munition, during a nighttime operation. The location and involved units are not specified.
  • 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 in a forest plantation, ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
  • A Russian propaganda video depicts the Russian air defense shooting down Santa Claus over the Kremlin.
  • Ukrainian forces report that one Russian warship is present in the Black Sea, but it is not equipped with "Kalibr" missiles. No Russian warships were detected in the Azov Sea.
  • Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down a Ukrainian missile over Kursk Oblast.
  • Ukrainian air defense systems are actively engaging Russian drones, with reports of "first drones shot down" in the Mykolaiv region.
  • Three drones are confirmed to be moving through Kutsurub in a northerly direction.
  • 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.
  • Air raid alerts issued for multiple regions.
  • Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
  • 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.
  • A video shows the moment of the announcement of the preventive measure for the arrested Ukrainian commander.
  • An advertisement for a war-themed game featuring drones and other modern military equipment was shown.
  • "Phoenix" unit of the "Revenge" brigade repelled an assault by occupiers near Kurdyumivka in the Bakhmut area.
  • Ukrainian drone operators conducted a mass

Previous Report (2025-01-02 00:48:56Z)