Summary of the Day:
Russian forces have made significant tactical gains south of Pokrovsk, advancing into western Novyi Trud and along the E50 highway near Dachenske, positioning them about six kilometers from Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces lost two positions near Novyi Trud, Novotroitske, and Shevchenko, with Colonel Nazar Voloshyn confirming they are working to reclaim these areas. A Ukrainian commander described the situation as “critical,” noting intense Russian attacks up to 30 times daily, supported by superior artillery fire. Additional Russian advances were reported in Kursk Oblast and around Toretsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar.
US intelligence warns Russia may launch another “Oreshnik” ballistic missile against Ukraine in the coming days, following its first use against Dnipro City on November 21, 2024. This potential strike appears to be part of Russia’s strategy to discourage Western military support for Ukraine.
In response, Ukrainian forces conducted successful strikes against two Russian military targets overnight. The Ukrainian military hit a loading point of the Druzhba oil pipeline in Bryansk Oblast, causing a major fire at the facility which supplies fuel to Russian forces. In a separate strike, Ukraine targeted the Taganrog 325th Aircraft Repair Plant in Rostov Oblast, which services various Russian military aircraft.
The Kremlin continues strengthening its domestic position by integrating veterans of the Ukraine war into leadership roles within Russian regional administrations through its “Time of Heroes” program.
Picture of the Day:
Rescue workers conduct search and rescue operations at the site of a Russian missile strike on a private medical facility in Zaporizhzhia. Russia launched a missile strike on the city, resulting in the destruction of a private clinic and damage to nearby buildings. The death toll rose to 10 people, with 22 others injured. (Elena Tita/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
The deepening alliance between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea poses a significant threat to global stability, prompting President Biden to issue a critical national security memorandum. This coalition has already impacted the Ukraine war, with Iran providing drones, North Korea contributing troops and weapons, and China supplying dual-use goods to Russia. The Biden administration’s response aims to strengthen U.S. and allied capabilities to counter this growing axis of cooperation, which could fundamentally alter the balance of world power and increase the risk of international conflicts.
President-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his January 2025 inauguration ceremony, potentially marking the first foreign leader attendance at such an event in U.S. history. This invitation, along with Trump’s recent hosting of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and potential invitations to other world leaders, signals a significant shift in diplomatic relations. The development raises international concerns about future U.S. policy, particularly regarding Ukraine, as both China and Hungary maintain close ties with Russia. Trump’s alignment with authoritarian leaders and previous statements suggesting reduced support for Ukraine could reshape global alliances and impact ongoing peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The escalating US-China trade war has taken a concerning turn for global stability as China restricts drone component exports to the US and Europe, with more limitations planned for 2024. This move particularly threatens Ukraine’s defense capabilities, which heavily rely on drone technology. The restrictions appear to serve a dual purpose: supporting Russia’s position while retaliating against US trade policies on advanced chips and tariffs. China’s actions could significantly impact Western military support in Eastern Europe while potentially strengthening Beijing’s geopolitical influence, raising concerns about broader implications for international security and peace.
Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow via a Russian airbase with his family after being overthrown by rebel forces who captured major cities including Aleppo, Hama, and Damascus in a rapid offensive on December 8. Russia, weakened by losses in Ukraine, was unable to maintain support for Assad’s regime through its intelligence agents who evacuated him to prevent capture, marking a major strategic setback for Moscow’s influence in the Middle East and leaving uncertainty about Russia’s military presence in Syria, where its forces have operated since 2015 and were accused of war crimes including the bombing of hospitals, while Putin reportedly questioned his security services for failing to anticipate the regime’s collapse.
The European Commission has committed 170 million euros to fortify its eastern frontier. This defensive move, supporting Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Norway, reflects growing tensions between NATO-aligned nations and Russia. Finland’s continued border closure since November 2023 and the Baltic states’ planned defense line represent a deepening East-West divide, marking one of the most serious deteriorations in European security relations since the Cold War.
Belarus is strengthening its military capabilities in ways that could increase regional tensions. The country announced two significant military developments: a new “Kulisa” mobile communications system, claimed to rival Starlink, and the successful test of a domestically-produced anti-aircraft missile with a 70-kilometer range for its Buk-MB2 air defense system. These military advancements suggest Belarus is enhancing its defensive capabilities, potentially affecting the balance of power in Eastern Europe.
The Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia has lost all electricity after its only power station shut down due to critically low water levels. The crisis deepened after Russia cut nearly all funding to Abkhazia following the region’s rejection of a controversial investment agreement and property ownership law. This tension between Russia and its occupied territory, which is internationally recognized as part of Georgia, marks a rare rift in Russia’s relationship with its proxy region since the 2008 war with Georgia.
The Path to Peace
President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump met in Paris on December 7 for 35 minutes, where they discussed peace prospects but no specific plans. According to Reuters sources, Trump was “friendly and respectful” during the meeting. While Trump called for an immediate ceasefire, Zelensky emphasized that peace requires guarantees, stating that “a ceasefire without guarantees can be reignited at any moment.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin held an hour-long phone call, initiated by Hungary, discussing the war in Ukraine and bilateral cooperation, which came after both Orban’s recent visit to Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago and Putin’s conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. While Orban advocated for diplomatic solutions and claimed he proposed a Christmas ceasefire and prisoner exchange that was rejected, Putin criticized Ukraine’s stance on peace negotiations, leading President Volodymyr Zelensky to criticize Orban for prioritizing his image over unity and emphasize that discussions about Ukraine’s future cannot happen without Ukrainian representatives, while stressing the need for American determination and European unity. Hungary maintains friendly relations with Moscow despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Orban being the first EU leader to visit Putin in Moscow in July, while Hungary continues to oppose EU sanctions on Russia, though ultimately voting for them, and refuses to provide military aid to Ukraine.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukraine’s Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko stated that Ukraine has sufficient resources and ammunition to continue fighting against Russia through at least mid-2025, even without U.S. support. This statement comes as President-elect Donald Trump, who recently indicated he may reduce U.S. assistance to Ukraine, prepares to take office.
Russian sources claim their forces advanced into northeastern Sumy Oblast near Oleksandriya, but Ukrainian officials dismiss these claims as false. There is no evidence of Russian forces operating in this area.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces made small advances in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast, with confirmed movement south of Novoivanovka during a mechanized assault. Russian officials claim to have captured Darino and Plekhovo, though these claims remain unverified.
Ukrainian forces conducted two successful overnight strikes in Russia, approximately 100 miles from Ukrainian territory: the first targeted the Taganrog 325th Aircraft Repair Plant in Rostov Oblast near a military airfield, where approximately ten explosions damaged an industrial facility, destroyed 14 vehicles, and disrupted heat to 27 apartment buildings, while Russian officials claim they intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones and missiles during the attack but reported no casualties.
In a separate strike, Ukrainian forces hit the Druzhba oil pipeline filling station in the village of Sven near Bryansk, causing a massive fire at the loading point facility which they say supplies fuel to Russian forces, with these attacks coming as Russia continues its campaign targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacks near Kharkiv but made no confirmed advances, despite claims of progress in Vovchansk. They conducted operations around several settlements including Hlyboke, Strilecha, Lyptsi, and Starytsya. Ukrainian officials report that Russian forces have changed tactics, now favoring flank attacks over frontal assaults due to heavy losses. They also warn of possible renewed Russian offensives in northern Kharkiv Oblast, noting a significant buildup of Russian troops and equipment in the area.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacks along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line without confirmed advances. They launched assaults near multiple settlements including Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, Hlushkivka, Lozova, Kopanky, Zeleny Hai, Nadiya, Makiivka, and others. Russian forces are reportedly attempting to cross the Oskil River and capture eastern Kupyansk by January 2025, but Ukrainian forces claim they are successfully defending their positions and launching counterattacks.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Russia is advancing in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, pushing to within 15 kilometers of Dnipropetrovsk’s border near the towns of Kurakhove, Velyka Novosilka, and Pokrovsk. Ukraine is struggling to build adequate defensive fortifications due to lack of coordination and engineering personnel. While Ukraine has invested $7.3 million in fortifications, progress has been slow. However, Russia faces its own challenges, with reports indicating economic strain, labor shortages, and systemic corruption that could impact its military capabilities.
Siversk
Russian forces launched limited attacks near Siversk, targeting the settlements of Bilohorivka to the northeast and Verkhnokamyanske to the east. Despite these offensive operations, they failed to gain any confirmed territory.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attacked near Chasiv Yar, though no confirmed advances were made. While Russian sources claimed to capture the central Refractory Plant, with Ukrainian forces reportedly holding its western edge, these claims remain unverified. Additional Russian attacks occurred near the settlements of Bila Hora and Stupochky, south of Chasiv Yar, with Russian airborne units reportedly involved in the operations.
Toretsk
Russian forces made a small advance in central Toretsk along Fabrychna Street. While Russian sources claimed additional progress along Rudnychna and Maiakovskhoho streets and reported capturing the Tsentralna mine in southern Toretsk’s Zabalka area, these claims remain unconfirmed. Russian forces also conducted attacks near the settlements of Dyliivka to the north and Shcherbynivka to the west of Toretsk.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces have made tactical advances south of Pokrovsk, Ukraine, moving into western Novyi Trud and along the E50 highway near Dachenske, destroying two Ukrainian positions near Novyi Trud, Novotroitske, and Shevchenko and positioning them about 3-6 kilometers from the key logistics hub, with Ukrainian military spokesperson Colonel Nazar Voloshyn confirming they are working to reclaim these positions while Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi described the battles as “exceptionally tough,” noting that Russian forces significantly outnumber Ukrainian units and conduct intense attacks up to 30 times daily with superior artillery fire, though Russians have suffered significant casualties of nearly 3,000 personnel in two weeks in the Pokrovsk direction, leading Syrskyi to order additional reserves and weapons while indicating that “non-standard decisions” would be needed to strengthen defenses in the area.
Kurakhove
Russian forces advanced southwest of Dalne, south of Kurakhove. While Russian sources claimed captures of Sontsivka northwest of Kurakhove and advances in central Kurakhove itself, these remain unconfirmed. Russian forces also conducted attacks near the settlements of Dachne to the west, Zorya and Stari Terny to the northwest, and Dalne to the south of Kurakhove.
Andriivka
Russian forces advanced along Peremohy Street in Veselyi Hai, north of Vuhledar. Russian forces also conducted attacks on multiple settlements around Vuhledar, including Kostiantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, and Trudove to the northwest; Uspenivka, Veselyi Hai, and Hannivka to the north; and Yelyzavetivka, Antonivka, and Katerynivka to the northeast.
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces launched intensive attacks in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border region, though no confirmed advances were made. While Russian sources claimed progress near Rivnopil, this remains unverified. Russian forces attacked the settlements of Blahodatne and Makarivka south of Velyka Novosilka, and Novodarivka to the southwest. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched counterattacks near Rozdolne and Novyi Komar.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked near the settlements of Novoandriivka and Pyatykhaty, northwest of Robotyne, but failed to make any advances.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked positions near Kozatskyi Island in the Dnipro River area of eastern Kherson Oblast, located northeast of Kherson City near Nova Kakhovka. The attacks were unsuccessful and resulted in no territorial gains.
Ukraine News
Russia launched two cruise missiles from the Sea of Azov toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, which Ukrainian forces intercepted. However, Russian strikes still damaged homes, a gas pipeline, and power lines in the Dnipro district.
Ukraine’s Finance Ministry announced that its 2025 defense budget will be covered by a new tax increase and portions of a $50 billion G7 loan. The budget allocates 26.3% of GDP to defense, including $17.7 billion for arms and $1.2 billion for drones. To fund this, Ukraine raised its war tax from 1.5% to 5% and expanded it to include small businesses. The G7 loan, backed by frozen Russian assets, includes $20 billion each from the US and EU, with smaller amounts from Canada, Japan, and the UK. Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko stated Ukraine has sufficient resources to resist Russia until at least mid-2025.
Ukraine’s Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported that Russia executed at least 109 Ukrainian prisoners of war in 2024, with 177 additional cases confirmed in previous years of the war. Reports indicate ongoing torture and mistreatment of POWs by Russian forces. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin, former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, and military chief Valery Gerasimov for various war crimes, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian children and attacks on civilians.
Police conducted searches at Ukrainian Railways’ offices in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, investigating officials suspected of profiting from manipulating international train tickets. The scheme reportedly created artificial shortages on popular routes. Ukrainian Railways, which became a crucial transport method after Russia’s invasion closed airports, has faced multiple corruption investigations. Since February 2022, over 600 railway employees have been killed in the war.
Ukrainian airline SkyUp Airlines will launch direct flights from Chisinau, Moldova to various European destinations starting April 2025, offering Ukrainians an alternative travel route while their airspace remains closed due to Russia’s invasion. Chisinau Airport, located 70 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and 180 kilometers from Odesa, will serve destinations in Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, and Cyprus. While Ukraine reports being “95%” ready to resume commercial flights, particularly at Lviv or Boryspil airports, passenger safety concerns amid ongoing Russian attacks remain the primary obstacle.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 8 INJURIES: 55
Russia launched a missile strike on Zaporizhzhia killing seven people and injuring 22. The attack destroyed a clinic and damaged 20 residential buildings.
Russian missile strikes in Kharkiv Oblast injured 19 people, with 17 casualties in Zlatopil where two Iskander-M missiles hit, damaging 16 residential buildings. Two other injuries were reported in the villages of Zapadne and Ivashky.
Russian attacks in Kherson Oblast killed one person and injured 15 others.
A Russian attack on Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast injured one civilian.
The aftermath of a Russian missile attack against Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. (Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration)
Ukraine Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
President Zelensky announced successful testing of Ukraine’s new “Ruta” missile, developed by Destinus, a Swiss aerospace company. The missile joins Ukraine’s expanding domestic weapons program, which includes the mass-produced “Palyanytsia” missile and recently deployed “Peklo” drone missile. The “Ruta” is designed for multiple missions including surveillance and strike capabilities, featuring booster-assisted takeoff and parachute landing.
Ukraine’s Allies
US intelligence warns Russia may launch another “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine in the coming days, according to both Bloomberg and AP citing unnamed US officials, following its first use against Dnipro City on November 21, 2024, which Vladimir Putin claimed was retaliation for Ukraine’s use of Western weapons, with the missile launches appearing to be part of Russia’s strategy to discourage Western military support for Ukraine, though US intelligence views the missile as an intimidation tactic rather than a significant military threat since Russia has only a few Oreshnik missiles, which defense experts suggest is likely a modified version of Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh missile rather than a new development.
The European Union approved its 15th sanctions package against Russia, targeting the “shadow fleet” of tankers used to bypass oil sanctions. The measures also penalize individuals and organizations helping Russia evade export restrictions. This follows previous sanctions aimed at limiting Russia’s economic and military capabilities, including historic restrictions on its gas industry. The U.S., UK, and Switzerland have implemented similar measures.
Life in Russian Occupied Ukraine
Russian forces are raising safety concerns at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). On December 10, a drone struck an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) vehicle near Stepnohirsk, with Russia and Ukraine each blaming the other for the attack. A Greenpeace report revealed that Russian forces have increased military activity at the plant, including installing rocket systems and building new trenches near the cooling pond, continuing a pattern of dangerous military activities at the nuclear facility since its occupation in March 2022.
Russian occupation authorities in Donetsk sentenced nine captured Ukrainian soldiers from the 36th Marine Brigade to prison terms ranging from 24 years to life. These soldiers were captured defending Mariupol and the Azovstal steel plant in spring 2022. The nine soldiers – Andrii Shestak, Nazarii Moroz, Vladyslav Yavorskyi, Vadym Shulha, Serhii Yampolskyi, Maksym Kolbasin, Dmytro Shalara, Volodymyr Penzin, and Kostiantyn Romaniuk – were accused of shelling Staryi Krym village near Mariupol. While Ukraine has recovered some POWs through exchanges, many remain in Russian custody where most face physical and moral torture.
Russia News
Austrian energy company OMV has ended its gas contract with Russia’s Gazprom 16 years early, citing contract violations and noting that gas deliveries stopped in November 2024. The company, which supplies 30% of Austria’s gas market, reports its storage facilities are 85% full and has secured alternative gas supplies from Norway, Austria, and LNG sources. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer affirmed that Russia’s attempt to use energy as leverage had failed.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Russian forces are experiencing record-high casualties in their eastern Ukraine offensive during November and December, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian troops are advancing near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast, despite suffering estimated losses of 45,720 soldiers in November alone. Total Russian casualties since the war began are estimated between 600,000-750,000.
Troops +1390
758730 |
Tanks +6
9532 |
Artillery +5
21072 |
Arm. VEH +28
19644 |
Aircraft 
369 |
Heli
329 |
Ships
28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Kremlin appointed Kirill Losunchukov, a Spetsnaz unit deputy commander, as Moscow Oblast’s Deputy Minister for Investments, Industry, and Science through its “Time of Heroes” program, which places war veterans in regional government positions.
The Wagner Group is actively recruiting fighters by offering substantial financial incentives, including a signing bonus of $21,800 and a first-year salary of $45,500. A Wagner commander recently met with the “Istra” Regiment near Moscow, a unit of former Wagner fighters, as the group continues to recruit for operations in Africa.
Russia’s Allies
Ukrainian partisans from Atesh spotted Chinese-made Desertcross ATVs being transported on the M-4 highway between Rostov-on-Don and Voronezh, raising concerns about potential Russian raid operations. Russia has received 537 of these vehicles and plans to purchase 1,590 more by late 2024.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com