Summary of the Day:
Russian forces have shifted their strategy in the battle for Pokrovsk, abandoning direct assaults in favor of a flanking maneuver from the south and west. Recent advances include the capture of Novopustynka and progress near Shevchenko, as Russian forces work to encircle the city. Their forces have also secured Stari Terny near Kurakhove and are advancing into the town’s eastern and central sectors while simultaneously pushing around Velyka Novosilka.
Despite suffering record casualties in November 2024 – over 45,000 according to the UK Ministry of Defense – Russia appears committed to continuing its offensive operations into 2025. Russian authorities are attempting to address personnel shortages by forcing migrants into military service contracts.
In maritime operations, Ukraine continues to contest Russian control of the northwestern Black Sea, successfully using naval drones to strike Russian surveillance systems on gas platforms off Crimea’s west coast. Ukraine’s military capabilities will be enhanced by expanded access to SpaceX’s Starshield satellite network, with the number of secure terminals increasing from 500 to 3,000 under a new Pentagon contract.
Meanwhile, inside Russia, authorities are testing their ability to restrict internet access in ethnic minority regions, including Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia, while pushing to transition Russians from Western to domestic web hosting services that comply with state censorship requirements.
Picture of the Day:
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. Donald Trump was among the wave of foreign dignitaries descending on Paris this weekend to attend a reopening ceremony at Notre Dame Cathedral, more than five years after it was damaged in a major fire. (Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Syrian rebels captured the strategic city of Homs cutting off President Assad’s access to the Mediterranean coast and Russia’s military bases. This follows the rebels’ recent capture of Aleppo and Hama, with forces now approaching Damascus. While the Syrian government claims Assad remains in the capital, U.S. officials predict his regime could fall within days. Russia, Assad’s key ally, has conducted airstrikes to counter the rebel advance but has already withdrawn its naval assets from its Mediterranean base at Tartus. The potential collapse of Assad’s government, a longtime Russian ally, could significantly weaken Moscow’s influence in the Middle East, further impacting global power dynamics already strained by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan announced that the United States will not intervene militarily in Syria’s conflict as rebel forces advance toward Damascus. The sudden rebel offensive, which began in late November, has captured major cities including Aleppo and Hama. Sullivan attributes the rebels’ rapid success to the weakened state of Assad’s traditional allies – Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has particularly limited its ability to support Assad’s regime. This shift in Syria’s power dynamics could significantly impact regional stability and global peace, especially regarding the potential resurgence of ISIS. While both the U.S. and Russia are staying out of direct involvement, the U.S. pledges to take steps to prevent ISIS from regaining power if Assad’s regime falls.
Belarus and Russia are escalating military tensions in Europe through plans to deploy Oreshnik ballistic missiles in Belarus by mid-2025. Belarusian military official Sergei Lagodyuk claims this is a response to US and German missile deployments in Europe. The announcement, supported by both Russian President Putin and Belarusian President Lukashenko, appears to be part of a strategy to influence Western military decisions and could further destabilize European security and peace in the region.
The Path to Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Paris where they discussed peace initiatives for Ukraine. Austria offered to host future peace talks in Vienna, citing its neutral status.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukraine continues to challenge Russian control in the Black Sea through drone operations, with their Navy releasing footage of naval drones destroying Russian surveillance systems on gas platforms off Crimea’s west coast. The Russians reportedly use these platforms for radar and visual observation. Ukraine conducted a multi-wave drone strike against Crimea using advanced naval drones equipped with machine guns capable of engaging Russian interceptors, including both traditional naval types and modified versions carrying FPV (first-person view) drones for independent strikes, with Naval Forces Commander Vice-Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa announcing the successful destruction of these surveillance systems in occupied Crimea.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian forces made advances in Kursk Oblast capturing several settlements northwest of Sudzha including Pogrebki, Orlovka, Maryevka, Malaya Loknya, Staraya Sorochina, and Novaya Sorochina. Russian forces have reportedly launched a second phase of counteroffensive operations in the region, attacking with mechanized columns, though Ukrainian forces claim to be successfully destroying Russian armor. While Russian sources claim advances near Plekhovo, Novoivanovka, and Malaya Loknya, these claims remain unconfirmed.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked multiple locations in northern Kharkiv Oblast targeting areas near Kozacha Lopan, Vysoka Yaruha, Lyptsi, Vovchansk, and Tykhe. While Russian reconnaissance groups attempted to infiltrate Ukrainian positions, Ukrainian forces report successfully detecting enemy movements using thermal imaging in the cold weather, and claim Russian forces are sustaining heavy losses despite continuing their attacks.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces advanced near Kupyansk, crossing a bridge over the Oskil River along the P-79 highway near Kruhlyakivka. They conducted multiple attacks across the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, targeting settlements including Zapadne, Masyutivka, Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, Zeleny Hai, Nadiya, Lozova, Bohuslavka, Kopanky, Tverdokhlibove, Hrekivka, Cherneshchyna, Makiivka, Terny, Yampolivka, Zarichne, and Torske. Russian forces have significantly increased drone usage in the Luhansk region to over 100 per day, with Russian Special Forces drone operators active near Kupyansk.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian military leaders believe they have enough resources to capture key areas in western Donetsk Oblast. Their forces have nearly eliminated Ukrainian positions around Kurakhivske Reservoir, including capturing Stari Terny. They continue to advance into Kurakhove and nearby Dalne, while also making progress near Vuhledar, taking Kostiantynopolske, Uspenivka, and reaching Sukhi Yaly. Russian forces are also surrounding Velyka Novosilka from multiple directions. These recent gains have apparently encouraged Russian command to restart their offensive toward Pokrovsk.
Siversk
No significant fighting was reported in the Siversk area, though Russian sources claim positional combat occurred there on December 6.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces launched offensive operations near Chasiv Yar focusing attacks around the Refractory Plant, Kalynivka, Bila Hora, and Stupochky. Despite cold weather, Russian troops conducted small-group infantry assaults to probe Ukrainian defenses, though they made no confirmed advances.
Toretsk
Russian forces made confirmed advances in central and southwestern Toretsk. They conducted operations near Toretsk and the surrounding settlements of Dyliivka, Shcherbynivka, and Nelipivka, though claims of an 800-meter advance in northern Toretsk remain unconfirmed.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces have shifted their military strategy near Pokrovsk, Ukraine, launching a new offensive from the south. After expanding their control southeast of the town, they’ve begun pushing westward and northwest of Selydove. Recent advances include capturing Novopustynka and reaching the outskirts of Shevchenko. Fighting has been reported near several settlements including Hrodivka, Mykolaivka, and Dachenske. The Russian 90th Tank Division has been deployed to the area, suggesting this is now a priority sector for Russian forces. This marks a significant change in Russian military operations in the region, as they previously focused on expanding territory west of Selydove.
Russian forces have changed their strategy for capturing Pokrovsk, moving away from direct attacks to a flanking approach. After failing in their initial plan to take Pokrovsk head-on, they’re now advancing through Novotroitske and Novopustynka toward Udachne and Hryshyne, aiming to encircle Pokrovsk from the south and west. Their goal is to cut off key highways (T-05-15, T-04-06, and M-30) to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines, hoping to force Ukrainian forces to abandon both Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad without costly direct attacks.
Russia may move troops, including the 90th Tank Division and 114th Motorized Rifle Brigade, from Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka areas to strengthen their offensive near Pokrovsk. However, this flanking strategy requires more resources and time than direct attacks, as Russian forces must capture multiple settlements over a larger area. Ukrainian forces, particularly their drone units, have proven effective in defending the region, having previously forced Russia to abandon direct assaults on Pokrovsk in mid-2024. If Ukrainian drones continue to successfully disrupt Russian movements, Russian forces might have to resort to slower, infantry-based attacks through Pokrovsk’s urban areas.
Russia is expected to continue its offensive to capture Pokrovsk into 2025, despite unsustainable losses. According to the UK Ministry of Defense, Russian forces suffered record casualties in November 2024, with over 45,000 losses (about 1,523 per day). While Russia remains committed to capturing all of Donetsk Oblast, including Pokrovsk, these high casualty rates are straining Russia’s military recruitment and economy. Russian leadership now faces a difficult choice between maintaining these costly operations and implementing an unpopular military draft that could further damage their economy.
Kurakhove
Russian forces advanced near Kurakhove capturing Novodmytrivka and making gains in eastern Zorya. They conducted operations around Kurakhove and nearby settlements including Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, and Dalne. Russian forces are maintaining a large presence in the area, using light vehicles like ATVs and pickup trucks for troop transport.
Russia claims to have captured the village of Beretsky near Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast, though Ukrainian officials haven’t confirmed this. The area around Kurakhove, located 40 kilometers west of Donetsk, has faced increasing Russian attacks. This claimed advance comes shortly after Ukraine regained control of Novyi Komar in the same region. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has promised additional supplies and equipment to Ukrainian forces near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.
Andriivka
Russian forces continued operations near Vuhledar without confirmed advances, despite claims of capturing Sukhi Yaly and advances near Uspenivka. They conducted operations around several settlements including Yelyzavetivka, Romanivka, Hannivka, Vesely Hai, Kostiantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, and Rozlyv. Russian forces are conducting reconnaissance operations near Uspenivka while facing Ukrainian counterattacks in the area.
Velyka Novosilka
Ukrainian forces regained positions near Velyka Novosilka forcing Russian troops to retreat from Novyi Komar. Russian forces conducted operations around several settlements including Neskuchne, Novodarivka, Novosilka, Tremyrivka, and Rozdolne, while attempting to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines in the area. Russian forces typically attack for several weeks before taking brief pauses to replenish their personnel.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces conducted ground attacks near several settlements in western Zaporizhia Oblast, including Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, and Bilohirya in the area around Robotyne but failed to gain any territory. Ukraine’s drone forces reported destroying a Russian Tor-M2 air defense system in the region.
The Zaporizhzhia front is experiencing increased tension as Russian forces intensify their attacks, according to Freedom of Russia Legion spokesperson Kostiantyn Denysov. Russian infantry groups are probing Ukrainian defenses with armored vehicle support. While Ukrainian forces have repelled recent offensive attempts, they continue building fortifications in preparation for a potential larger Russian offensive in the region. President Zelensky has acknowledged the growing threats in the Zaporizhzhia sector, where Russian forces have been gradually deploying larger assault groups.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks in the Dnipro region without success. Ukrainian military reports indicate Russia is focusing on controlling islands at the Dnipro River’s mouth, while Russian drone units remain active in the Kherson area.
Ukraine News
Russia launched multiple aerial attacks against Ukraine, including a missile strike on Sumy Oblast and 14 Shahed drones from Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Ukrainian forces shot down seven drones over Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr regions, with drone debris damaging houses in Kyiv Oblast. Six drones were lost to possible electronic warfare or technical issues, and one returned to Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris during events marking Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening. The 35-minute meeting at the Elysee Palace was their first in-person encounter since Trump’s election victory in November. Zelensky called the discussion “productive and meaningful,” saying they addressed the situation in Ukraine and prospects for peace. While Trump has indicated he wants to quickly end U.S. involvement in the conflict, Ukrainian officials continue advocating for sustained support and a “peace through strength” approach toward Russia.
During his Paris visit for the Notre Dame Cathedral opening ceremony, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, expressing support for Georgia’s democratic aspirations and potential EU and NATO membership, with their discussion focusing on Georgia’s current political crisis where the ruling Georgian Dream party has suspended EU accession talks until 2028, triggering protests in Tbilisi; Zelensky expressed solidarity with Georgian protesters and criticized the Ivanishvili government’s alignment with Russia, while Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 19 Georgian officials, including de facto leader Bidzina Ivanishvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, with the meeting occurring amid controversy over Georgia’s upcoming presidential election, which will be decided by an Electoral Board rather than popular vote.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 0 INJURIES: 16
Russian forces carried out multiple attacks across Kherson Oblast injuring 16 people, including a child. The shelling targeted residential areas in Kherson city and the Beryslavskyi district, damaging homes, infrastructure, and vehicles. In the settlement of Vesely, a 57-year-old man was wounded by a Russian drone attack. Damage to 16 private houses, a gas pipeline, a grain warehouse, and a gas station was reported.
Ukraine’s Allies
The Pentagon announced a $988 million military aid package to Ukraine. The package includes HIMARS ammunition, drones, and maintenance support for artillery, tanks, and armored vehicles. This comes as the Biden administration works to deliver the remaining $5 billion in military assistance before President-elect Trump’s January inauguration, amid concerns Trump may halt weapons shipments to Ukraine. The aid will be funded through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, with additional aid expected through Presidential Drawdown Authority before the transition. The announcement comes as Ukraine prepares for winter Russian infrastructure attacks, while North Korean troops have reportedly joined Moscow’s invasion forces.
According to Bloomberg, SpaceX has secured a Pentagon contract to expand Ukraine’s access to Starshield, a more secure version of Starlink’s satellite network. The number of Ukrainian terminals connected to this encrypted system will increase from 500 to 3,000. This upgrade comes at a crucial time, as Russian forces have reportedly been using standard Starlink terminals to improve their combat coordination and drone operations. The enhanced Starshield network, which is harder to hack or jam and can transmit classified data, could give Ukrainian forces a technological advantage in coordinating operations and developing new tactical capabilities.
President Zelensky announced that Denmark has delivered a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, strengthening the country’s air defense against Russian missile strikes. The first batch of Danish F-16s is already operational.
Russia News
Acting Kursk Oblast Governor Alexander Khinshtein plans to meet with local residents following protests over Russia’s handling of Ukrainian military operations in the region. Russian President Putin appointed Khinshtein on December 5, replacing Alexei Smirnov, who appears to be taking blame for Russia’s inadequate response to Ukrainian advances.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1460
753370 |
Tanks +5
9519 |
Artillery +3
21058 |
Arm. VEH +36
19571 |
Aircraft 
369 |
Heli
329 |
Ships
28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russian authorities are pressuring Central Asian migrant workers in Krasnodar Krai to join the military by threatening them with deportation if they refuse to sign Ministry of Defense contracts. This is part of Russia’s strategy to quietly boost military recruitment while avoiding another mandatory draft of Russian citizens.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russia’s internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, conducted tests to cut off access to foreign websites and applications in several ethnic minority regions, including Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia. Users in these areas reported problems accessing WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube, Google, and even some Russian services like Yandex, with VPNs proving ineffective. Roskomnadzor confirmed these tests were meant to ensure Russia could function if disconnected from the global internet. This follows similar tests during recent unrest in these regions, suggesting an effort to control information flow in potentially unstable areas. The Kremlin has invested about 648 million dollars in developing these internet restriction capabilities and is pushing Russians to use domestic social media platforms that are easier to control.
Russia’s internet regulator Roskomnadzor announced that it might block major Western web hosting providers, including Amazon Web Services, GoDaddy, and HostGator, claiming they don’t comply with Russian censorship laws. This warning appears to be part of a strategy to pressure Russians into using domestic web hosting services that will more readily enforce Russian censorship, a tactic Roskomnadzor has used before when transitioning Russians away from Western online services.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com