Summary of the Day:
President Vladimir Putin expanded military-patriotic education programs across Russia and occupied Ukraine, announcing 2025 as the “Year of the Defender of the Fatherland.” The initiative includes military-sports camps, online platforms, and the “Roads of Victory” program aimed at fostering military service among youth.
Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes on Kazan in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan. Russian officials claim they intercepted six drones, though some struck residential buildings. Opposition media suggests the attacks targeted military-industrial facilities in the area, including a gunpowder factory, airfield, and helicopter production facility.
On the battlefield, Russian forces advanced in multiple sectors, gaining ground in Kursk Oblast and near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. However, Ukrainian forces successfully counterattacked near Pokrovsk, regaining some lost territory. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense continues emphasizing the development of its new Unmanned Systems Forces following Putin’s recent order establishing this combat branch.
Picture of the Day:
Two women comfort each other as they stand next to empty chairs with soldiers’ uniforms hanging on them by a symbolic Christmas table set with traditional dishes during a rally in support of prisoners of war and missing soldiers in Lviv. (Yuriy Dyachyshyn/AFP via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is calling for a significant increase in Germany’s military budget to around 80-90 billion euros annually by 2028, citing growing security threats from Russia. This represents a major shift in German defense policy and could impact European security dynamics. Pistorius warns that Germany must be prepared if Putin attacks, marking an increasingly tense relationship between NATO countries and Russia. While supporting increased military readiness, he emphasized that German troops would not be deployed in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, though Germany could potentially provide peacekeepers after a ceasefire. The proposal aligns with broader NATO discussions about increasing member defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP, highlighting escalating concerns about maintaining peace and security in Europe. This development signals a significant change in Germany’s traditionally cautious military stance and reflects growing anxiety about potential threats to European stability.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico are taking separate actions to maintain Russian gas flows as Ukraine refuses to extend the Russian gas transit agreement beyond December 31. Orban has proposed designating gas entering Ukraine as Hungarian-owned rather than Russian-owned, while Fico plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss gas supplies. Both situations stem from their countries’ heavy dependence on Russian gas, with Hungary receiving 4.5 billion cubic meters annually and Slovakia facing potential additional costs of €220 million for alternative arrangements. Austria is also significantly impacted by this development.
These diplomatic moves are creating multiple challenges for European unity, as Ukraine’s President Zelensky refuses to allow Russia to profit from gas exports during the ongoing invasion, while Putin expresses confidence in Gazprom’s ability to manage the situation. The complexity is further increased by new U.S. sanctions on Gazprombank, prompting Hungary, widely considered the most pro-Moscow EU and NATO member, to request a sanctions waiver. These developments highlight the growing tensions between energy security and geopolitical concerns, potentially undermining EU solidarity with Ukraine and complicating peace efforts in the region.
The top military officials from Belarus and Kazakhstan met to strengthen military ties. Belarus’ Major General Pavel Muraveiko and Kazakhstan’s Lieutenant General Sultan Kamaletdinov discussed expanding their military cooperation, a development that could impact the balance of power in the region. This military alignment between these former Soviet states adds another layer to the complex geopolitical dynamics in Eurasia and could influence broader international security relationships.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces strongly denied air defense specialists were being reassigned to infantry roles. While confirming some rear unit personnel have been moved to combat positions, they emphasized this does not include air defense specialists responsible for protecting Ukraine’s airspace. The General Staff maintained their air defense operations remain effective, with no decrease in the number of drones shot down. The Guardian’s report had suggested these alleged reassignments were due to troop shortages and Ukraine’s refusal to lower conscription age. Ukrainian MP Mariana Bezuhla supported The Guardian’s claims, warning about reduced air defense capabilities and potential security risks. This controversy comes amid increased Russian aerial threats, including a December 20 attack on Kyiv with five ballistic missiles.
Russian Ministry of Defense reported intercepting three Ukrainian drones over occupied Crimea.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces made advances in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast. They reached the southeastern outskirts of Darino and northern outskirts of Kruglenkoye. Russian forces conducted a platoon-sized assault near Novoivanovka. Ukrainian forces responded with counterattacks near Pogrebki and east of Darino. Additional Russian operations were reported near Malaya Loknya, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Russkoye Porechnoye, though some of these claims remain unverified.
President Zelensky reported that Russia is trying to hide North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast by presenting them as members of various Russian ethnic groups from Siberia and the Far East. Ukrainian forces claim to have struck suspected North Korean troops in the region, though they also found passports indicating some fighters are from Russia’s Tuva Republic. However, the presence of North Korean forces has not been independently verified.
Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes on Kazan in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, with Russian officials reporting the interception of six drones while Ukrainian sources indicated eight drones were involved in the attack. Five drones struck residential buildings after Russian electronic warfare systems reportedly disabled them, while one drone struck near an industrial site, missing its intended target. Russian opposition media suggested the strikes likely targeted military-related facilities in the area, including a gunpowder factory, airfield, military base, and helicopter production facility. The incident led to the suspension of flights at both Kazan and neighboring Izhevsk airports, prompted selective school evacuations, and resulted in President Putin contacting local leader Rustam Minnikhanov after he inspected the damaged areas, though no casualties were reported.
Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil depot near Oryol, Russia causing explosions and a fire, according to Oryol Oblast Governor Andrey Klychkov. Local residents’ videos showed large explosions lighting up the night sky, though no casualties were reported. This attack comes just one week after Ukrainian drones hit the same oil depot, causing a fire that burned for several days.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked near Kozacha Lopan and Vovchansk along the Kharkiv City border but made no confirmed advances. While Russian sources claim expanded control in northern Kharkiv Oblast, there’s no evidence of significant gains since May 2024. A Ukrainian brigade reported conducting their first fully robotic operation in early December using unmanned vehicles and drones to support advances while minimizing casualties. Russian forces are reportedly using small infantry groups to probe Ukrainian positions in the area.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line without confirmed advances. While Russian sources claimed a 5-kilometer advance near Zahryzove, this remains unverified. A mechanized assault near Synkivka was documented but failed to advance. Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks near Kucherivka, Zelenyi Hai, and Terny. Additional Russian operations continued across multiple locations including Petropavlivka, Lozova, Hrekivka, Novoserhiivka, Ivanivka, Yampolivka, Torske, Hryhorivka, and the Serebryanske forest area.
Bottom of Form
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces attacked near Bilohorivka and Verkhnokamyanske in the Siversk area but failed to advance. Ukrainian officials report that Russian forces are exhausted in this region and have reduced their attacks since December 19, suggesting they may be regrouping.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attacked near Chasiv Yar without confirmed advances, though Russian sources claim their troops captured parts of the Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant and made progress near Stupochky. Ukrainian officials report that Russia is moving contract soldiers as reserves to the area and increasing attacks during poor weather when Ukrainian drones are less effective.
Toretsk
Russian forces attacked near Toretsk without confirmed advances, though Russian sources claim they captured part of Krymske and made progress toward the Toretska Mine. Russian forces also conducted operations near Druzhba, Sukha Balka, and Leonidivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian and Ukrainian forces made advances near Pishchane, southwest of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces recaptured positions in southern Pishchane, while Russian forces conducted operations across multiple settlements including Myrolyubivka, Lysivka, Zelene, and Novoyeliyzavetivka. Ukrainian forces are reportedly launching counterattacks in the area.
Russian forces launched an unsuccessful assault near Ukrainka using civilian vehicles instead of military armor, suggesting they are experiencing shortages of tanks and armored vehicles. Video evidence shows they used eight civilian vehicles in a company-sized attack, indicating that Russia’s sustained equipment losses are affecting their ability to conduct proper mechanized operations.
Kurakhove
Russian forces made a small advance in the town of Zorya, northwest of Kurakhove. Russian sources claim they control most of Kurakhove and are fighting in its western residential areas and industrial zone. Russian forces continue attacks near multiple settlements including Sontsivka, Slovyanka, and Petropavlivka.
Andriivka
Russian forces attacked near Vuhledar without confirmed advances, though they claim to have moved forward near Kostiantynopolske, Hihant, and Yantarne. Ukrainian forces are reportedly counterattacking from several positions including Ulakly and Bahatyr. Russian forces struck a bridge over the Vovcha River between Kostiantynopil and Andriivka, likely attempting to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines south of Kurakhove.
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces attacked near Velyka Novosilka without confirmed advances, though they claim to have made progress near Novyi Komar and Rivnopil. Reports indicate Russians are using fiber-optic-connected drones to bypass Ukrainian electronic warfare and are attempting to cut off Ukrainian supply lines. Russian forces are sending additional troops and conducting combined arms operations with infantry, mechanized units, artillery, and air support in multiple settlements around Velyka Novosilka, including Rozdolne, Makarivka, and Novodarivka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reports that while no active fighting occurred near Hulyaipole in eastern Zaporizhia Oblast, Russian forces maintain a significant presence in the area. The Russian grouping consists of approximately 22,000-25,000 troops.
Fighting continued in western Zaporizhia Oblast near Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, and Pyatykhaty, with neither side making confirmed advances. Russian forces in this area maintain a substantial presence of approximately 50,000-52,000 troops with significant military equipment. While there are reports of possible renewed Russian offensive operations in the region, military observer Mashovets expresses skepticism about their ability to achieve significant operational advances.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces conducted offensive operations near Kozatskyi and Velykyi Potemkin islands near Kherson City without confirmed advances. Russian military bloggers claim that a reconnaissance group established positions near the Antonivka roadway bridge east of Kherson City after artillery preparation, though these claims remain unconfirmed.
Ukraine News
In a major overnight attack, Russian forces launched 113 Shahed and other drones from multiple regions, plus an S-400 missile from occupied Donetsk. Ukrainian forces intercepted 57 drones across eleven oblasts, while electronic warfare disabled 56 others. The attacks damaged residential areas in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia cities. Additionally, Russian forces launched two Kh-31P missiles toward Odesa Oblast and struck a Kherson City oncology clinic with glide bombs. President Zelensky reported that over the past week, Russia has used more than 550 glide bombs, 550 strike drones, and 20 missiles against Ukraine.
President Zelensky announced that he met with CIA Director William Burns in Ukraine for Burns’ final visit in his role. While such meetings are typically kept confidential, Zelensky publicly acknowledged their numerous wartime discussions and shared a photo of them shaking hands in front of Ukraine’s state crest. The United States has been Ukraine’s key ally, providing substantial military and financial aid. Burns is stepping down as CIA chief as President-elect Trump prepares to appoint a successor. Zelensky emphasized the significance of their final meeting, which comes one month before Trump assumes office. Trump has indicated he plans to end the war quickly, raising concerns about potential pressure on Kyiv to accept terms favoring Moscow.
A Ukrainian woman, born in 1972, is in serious condition after a car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany on December 20. The incident killed five people and injured over 200, many critically. Ukrainian consular officials are working with the German hospital to assist their citizen. Authorities detained the suspect, reportedly a Saudi Arabian national with AfD party sympathies, who they believe acted alone. The case is being investigated as premeditated murder and attempted murder. City official Ronni Krug announced the closure of the Christmas market following the tragedy.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 0 INJURIES: 0
Russia attacked an oncology center in Kherson with two guided aerial bombs. President Zelensky reported no casualties as patients and staff reached shelter in time, but the strike damaged the city’s only radiotherapy facility with a linear accelerator. The center was clearly identifiable as a medical facility, Zelensky noted.
Ukraine’s Allies
The U.K. plans to provide Ukraine with a 2.26 billion-pound ($2.5 billion) loan backed by frozen Russian central bank assets, as part of a larger G7 support package. The funds will support Ukraine’s military development, including advanced drone capabilities. Russia has strongly criticized this move, with its London embassy calling it a “fraudulent scheme” and alleging illegal expropriation of Russian state assets. This development is part of a broader G7 initiative to leverage frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s support, with most assets currently held in EU countries. The Russian Foreign Ministry has similarly accused the United States of “robbery” regarding its portion of the G7’s $50 billion loan package for Ukraine. This financial strategy represents a significant escalation in Western support for Ukraine using Russian assets, potentially setting new precedents in international financial relations during conflict.
Russia News
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued orders on December 20 to expand military education programs for youth in Russia and occupied Ukraine. The initiative includes establishing military-sports camps, expanding the “Roads of Victory” program that offers free visits to military sites, and creating an online platform for youth military education. This expansion is part of Putin’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of the Defender of the Fatherland.” The Kremlin is using programs like “Avangard” camps, Yunarmiya, and “Time of Heroes” to militarize Russian society and encourage military service among young people, with a particular focus on both Russian and Ukrainian youth.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
| Troops +1820
774100 |
Tanks +15
9609 |
Artillery +32
21284 |
Arm. Veh. +29
19870 |
Aircraft
369 |
Heli
329 |
Ships
28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russia’s Defense Ministry is highlighting its progress in establishing a new Unmanned Systems Forces branch, following President Putin’s order. Defense Minister Belousov reported that Russian manufacturers have developed 65 new drone variants, including reconnaissance drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and electronic warfare systems. According to Belousov, these manufacturers produce roughly 40,000 drones and 5,000 electronic warfare products monthly. The new branch will likely centralize drone operations under the Defense Ministry’s control rather than ground commanders, which could affect the coordination between assault, drone, and artillery units.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com