Ukraine Invasion: Part 53

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 53 and, as always, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights Thread

Intense battles on the Pokrovsk front, Russians outnumber in manpower – Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Syrskyi
“The battles are exceptionally intense. Russian occupiers are throwing all available forces forward, trying to break through our defenses,” he stated.
He emphasized that in such conditions, the main priority is strengthening the defense, particularly ensuring units are adequately supplied with ammunition and maintaining constant resupply.

Europe has not reached a consensus on sending troops to Ukraine as guarantors of a potential peace deal with Russia, but the idea of forming a coalition of 5–8 countries for this purpose is under consideration, Reuters reports.
The prospect of deploying European troops to Ukraine has been discussed by France and the UK, with similar talks taking place between Ukraine, the Baltic states, and Scandinavian countries. However, no concrete proposals have been made so far, the agency notes.

Biden administration confident Trump won’t impact $20 billion loan to Ukraine
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen clarified ( that the $20 billion loan does not involve the use of American taxpayers’ money.

🇺🇦🇭🇺Hungary “did not discuss anything with Ukraine” or coordinate contacts with Moscow, says Ukrainian presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn

❗️In Moscow, Deputy Chief Designer Mikhail Shatsky, who was involved in modernizing Kh-59 cruise missiles, developing new UAVs, and responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent Ukrainians, has reportedly been shot, according to Russian opposition figure Nevzorov.
Official confirmation is awaited.

🇩🇪Scholz calls for investing in Ukraine as a future EU member

🕯️Russian military killed around 50 Ukrainian priests
This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with CBN.
According to the president, Russians treat the Ukrainian church in the same way they treat Ukrainian schools — by destroying them.
“There is also clear evidence of how Russians tortured priests. Simply to erase any trace. Many priests of different denominations were either captured or killed. By the way, they killed 50 priests. And they did it in different ways,” Zelensky said.

“The Middle East is an easier problem to handle than what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine,” he said Donald Trump.
The magazine Time named the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as “Person of the Year.” In an extensive profile published by the outlet, Trump shared his views on topics related to American foreign policy. [...... the Middle East is an easier problem than the Russian invasion? has he ever studied the ME's history or current situation at all?]

Z-channels published a photo allegedly showing the engine fragment of an ATACMS missile that fell on Taganrog following a nighttime strike on the aircraft repair plant

I'm sure I didn't imagine Zelensky saying it, but can't provide a link.

That he wouldn't conscript 18 to 24 year olds as they are the future fathers to re-populate Ukraine after war ends.

It ties in with tradition I was reading. Cossacks without an heir wouldn't go into battle, as there would be no one to carry on their lineage if they died.
Because Ukraine appears westernised to us, we tend to forget their deep traditions.

Both boil down to the same really. No point fighting over land if there are no Ukrainians left to inhabit it.

Countries regenerate after war, but they need a lasting peace to do so. Russia can't be trusted, so Ukraine will still need a strong army. Those 18-24 year olds again.

It's not quite as simple as Biden sees it, "send all the young men." Ukraine will need them in the future.

That was my thought @PiggyPigalle. What's the point of fighting for land if there is nobody left to live there, or, those that are, are too old to repopulate.

www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-12-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russia has reportedly reached an agreement with select elements of the Syrian opposition about control over Russian military bases in Syria, but it remains unclear if the alleged agreement ensures the security of Russia's bases in Syria in the long-term.
• Russia is reportedly moving four ships from Russian ports to Syria, possibly to facilitate evacuations — further demonstrating the Kremlin's current cautious response to the developing situation in Syria.
• Ukrainian officials denied Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's claim that Ukraine rejected his offer to mediate a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner of war (POW) exchange with Russia.
• People's Republic of China (PRC) President Xi Jinping continues to provide Kremlin officials with a platform from which to articulate their uncompromising demands on Ukrainian sovereignty.
• India continues to preserve and enhance its economic relations with Russia despite recent efforts to reduce its reliance on Russia as a security partner.
• Russian authorities are set to equate the violation of Russian censorship laws with extremism and terrorism, furthering the Kremlin's effort to establish a pseudo-state ideology.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded the Russian “Golden Star” Medal to a military correspondent for the first time since World War II as the Kremlin continues to use state awards to co-opt milbloggers and gain control over the Russian information space.
• Actors affiliated with Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) likely assassinated the Deputy General Designer and Functional Software Department Head of the Russian Rosatom-owned “Mars” design bureau Mikhail Shatsky in Russia on December 12.
• Russian forces recently advanced in the main Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast and in the Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove directions.
• Ukrainian forces recently regained lost positions near Svatove.
• The Russian military command's efforts to ensure operational security amongst Russian forces continue to draw ire from select milbloggers, who derided these efforts as disruptive overreach.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-11-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces continue to make tactical gains south of Pokrovsk as they attack into Ukrainian weak points and attempt to conduct a turning maneuver to directly assault Pokrovsk from the south.
• US intelligence had warned that Russia may fire a second "Oreshnik" ballistic missile at Ukraine in the near future, likely in a continued effort to dissuade the West from providing further military assistance to Ukraine.
• Ukrainian forces struck an oil depot in Bryansk Oblast and an aircraft repair plant in Taganrog, Rostov Oblast on the night of December 10 to 11.
• Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and in the Toretsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar directions.
• The Kremlin continues to leverage its "Time of Heroes" program to integrate Russian veterans of the war in Ukraine into leadership positions within Russian regional administrations.

• Actors affiliated with Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) likely assassinated the Deputy General Designer and Functional Software Department Head of the Russian Rosatom-owned “Mars” design bureau Mikhail Shatsky in Russia on December 12.

I don't like the way this is reported. To me, assassination implies a certain innocence, that it is outside the usual rules of combat.

He was working a key role in a war his country started. The other country fought back and he became another casualty. He was as much a part of this war as anyone on the front line and was fair game

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Trump opposes (kyivindependent.com/trump-opposes-ukraine-launching-us-missiles-in-russia/) Ukraine launching US missiles inside Russia but hints he won't 'abandon' Kyiv.

⚡️ Trump tells Macron, Zelensky he wants European troops monitoring Ukraine ceasefire, WSJ reports. (https://kyivindependent.com/trump-proposes-european-troop-deployment-to-monitor-ukraine-ceasefire-wsj/)

⚡️ Update: Russia launches around 90 missiles, 200 drones in ‘one of the largest attacks (kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-as-russia-launches-large-scale-missile-attack-against-ukraine/) on energy grid,’ Zelensky says.

⚡️ Russia deals 'massive blow (kyivindependent.com/russia-deals-massive-blow-to-ukraines-thermal-power-plants/)' to Ukraine's thermal power plants, energy company says.

⚡️ NATO chief warns alliance 'unprepared' for (kyivindependent.com/nato-chief-warns-alliance-unprepared-for-russian-threats-calls-for-increased-defense-spending/) Russian threats, calls for increased defense spending.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned on Dec. 12 that the alliance is not ready for the threats it will face from Russia in the coming years, urging a shift to a wartime mindset with significantly higher defense spending.

⚡️Russian guided bomb attacks fall sharply (kyivindependent.com/russian-guided-bomb-attacks-fall-sharply-after-atacms-storm-shadow-strikes-analysts-say/) after ATACMS, Storm Shadow strikes, analysts say.

⚡️ Xi Jinping reaffirms China's stance (kyivindependent.com/xi-jinping-reaffirms-chinas-stance-on-ukraine-war-settlement/) on Ukraine war settlement.

⚡️ Russia, India sign record oil supply deal (kyivindependent.com/russia-india-sign-record-oil-supply-deal-reuters-says/), Reuters reports.
Russian state-owned oil company Rosneft and Indian refining giant Reliance Industries have finalized a landmark agreement to supply 500,000 barrels of oil daily for the next 10 years, Reuters reported on Dec. 12.

⚡️White House announces new weapons package (kyivindependent.com/white-house-announces-new-weapons-package-for-kyiv/) for Kyiv.
"Today, the president approved a new security assistance package for Ukraine that will provide them with additional air defense, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles," U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Dec. 12.

⚡️US announces over $440 million (kyivindependent.com/us-announces-over-440-million-in-economic-aid-for-ukraine/) in economic aid for Ukraine.
The economic aid package is comprised of four key parts, including $223 million to rebuild transportation, infrastructure, and logistics.

⚡️ Massive fire engulfs warehouse (kyivindependent.com/fire-engulfs-warehouse-in-novosibirsk/) in Russia's Novosibirsk.
A massive fire engulfed a warehouse in the Russian city of Novosibirsk in Siberia overnight on Dec. 13, covering 5,000 square meters, Russian media reported.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's counter-disinformation center, alleged that the warehouse was a military-linked facility supporting key industries such as energy infrastructure and explosion-proof equipment production.

⚡️Ukraine's largest steelmaker suspends operations (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-largest-steelmaker-suspends-operations-at-donetsk-oblast-site/) at Pokrovsk coal mine.
The closure comes amid an increasingly dangerous Russian advance towards Pokrovsk, where Ukraine lost key positions in recent days.

⚡️Ukrainian military instructors to undergo (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-military-instructors-to-undergo-nato-standard-training-in-lithuania/) NATO-standard training in Lithuania.

The invisible battles of Ukrainian military medics | Documentary

• (*

⚡️ French ambassador to Ukraine assures continued support (kyivindependent.com/french-ambassador-assures-continued-support-for-ukraine-under-new-government/)for Kyiv under new government.

⚡️ EBRD co-launches $116 million guarantee (kyivindependent.com/ebrd-co-launches-116-million-ukraine-war-insurance-capacity/) for Ukraine war-risk insurance.
The EBRD's new Ukraine Recovery and Reconstruction Guarantee Facility will initially help reinsurance companies cover risks connected to land-based transport, focusing on small and medium businesses.

⚡️IAEA Board condemns (kyivindependent.com/iaea-board-condemns-attacks-on-ukraines-energy-infrastructure-without-mention-of-russia/) attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure without mention of Russia.

⚡️ Google to suspend payments for Russian app (kyivindependent.com/google-play-allegedly-to-suspend-payments-for-russian-app-developers/) developers, Russian IT portal claims.
Google Play will indefinitely halt processing payments to app developers with bank accounts in Russia starting Dec. 26, Habr, a Russian IT portal, reported on Dec. 12, sharing what it says is a message from Google.

⚡️ 301 Ukrainian women held in Russian captivity, (kyivindependent.com/301-ukrainian-women-held-in-russian-captivity-rights-group-reports/) rights group reports.
As of December 2024, 301 Ukrainian civilian women are in Russian captivity, with 25 detained before Russia's full-scale invasion and 276 taken since, according to Olha Skrypnyk, head of the Crimean Human Rights Group (CHRG), speaking on Dec. 11. [poor sods]

UNESCO has added Ukraine's Babyn Yar Memorial and the Odesa Literary Museum to its international list of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection, the Culture Ministry announced on Dec. 12. https://kyivindependent.com/unesco-grants-protection-to-two-ukrainian-cultural-sites/

⚡️ Update: Russia attacks Ukraine's energy grid, 2 injured (kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-as-russia-launches-large-scale-missile-attack-against-ukraine/) in Kharkiv Oblast.
⚡️ Russia jails (kyivindependent.com/moscow-military-court-imprisons-ukrainian-soldiers-for-alleged-terrorism/) 2 Ukrainian soldiers deployed in Kursk Oblast for 14, 15 years.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪

• DEC 13, 2024

■ 9th highest engagements, casualties slightly above 7-day avg ■ Considerable drone interceptions & tank, APV, vehicle & artillery losses above average ■ 🇷🇺 air strikes stay low, combined MLRS & air strike ratio stays below 20

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russian Strikes Force Five of Ukraine’s Nine Power Units to Reduce Capacity, — IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that five of Ukraine's nine power units have reduced their capacity following Russia's morning attack on energy infrastructure.

Russia in Talks with New Syrian Government to Retain Military Bases – Bloomberg
Anonymous sources from Moscow, Europe, and the Middle East report that Russia is negotiating with the new Syrian government to maintain its military presence at the Tartus naval port and Khmeimim air base.
However, this information has not yet been confirmed by representatives of the Syrian transitional government.

Since February 2022, Russian losses in the war in Ukraine have reached 700,000, including both dead and wounded, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Ukraine Urgently Needs 20 Air Defense Systems, Says Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha

Europe Divided on Sending Troops to Ukraine as Peace Guarantors – Reuters
European countries have yet to reach a consensus on deploying troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement with Russia. However, the idea of forming a coalition of 5-8 states for this purpose is under consideration, Reuters reports.

France to Continue Supplying SCALP Missiles to Ukraine, Says Ambassador
France will continue providing long-range SCALP missiles to Ukraine and considers Russian military facilities legitimate targets for Kyiv, French Ambassador Gaël Veyssières told Ukrainian media.

Ukraine’s Expanding Long-Range Missile Arsenal: ‘Neptune,’ ‘Palianytsia,’ ‘Peklo,’ and ‘Ruta’ (https://united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/ukraines-expanding-long-range-missile-arsenal-neptune-palianytsia-peklo-and-ruta-4392)

Germany Suspects Russia in Baltic Cable Damage — Spiegel
German investigators suspect deliberate actions behind the damage to a communication cable between Germany and Finland, Spiegel reports.
Using the underwater drone SeaCat, investigators found “deep grooves on the seabed leading to the cable,” suggesting intentional interference. The damage is believed to have been caused by the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3, which allegedly dragged its anchor along the seabed in the area.
The vessel remains off Denmark’s coast, but China has refused requests from German and Danish authorities to board the ship and question the crew. While Russia is suspected of involvement, the exact role remains unclear.

⚠️ Strikes on Ukraine’s Energy Sector Heighten Risk of Nuclear Accident — Bloomberg
Massive Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have raised serious nuclear safety concerns, prompting an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna.
American and European diplomats warned that these strikes significantly increase the likelihood of a nuclear accident. “The risk of a catastrophic incident is real and growing, with long-term consequences for Russia, Ukraine, and neighboring regions. Yet the Kremlin ignores nuclear safety,” said US Ambassador to the IAEA Laura Holgate.
Following recent shelling, Ukraine reduced operations at nine nuclear reactors across the South Ukraine, Khmelnytskyi, and Rivne power plants. Continuous electricity is essential for safety systems at these facilities. Without it, reactor fuel can overheat, potentially releasing dangerous radiation.

Russia Bombed Ukrainian Civilians and Infrastructure 951 Times in Seven Months — Investigation
From March to September 2024, Russia carried out 951 bombings targeting civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine, killing over 250 people and injuring 1,300, according to a Truth Hounds investigation.
Massive strikes hit cities including Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Kherson. The attacks often involved Su-34 fighter jets, with at least 68 aircraft participating. Russia is reportedly increasing production of cheap planning and correction modules, which it attaches to old Soviet bombs, allowing it to drop hundreds daily.
The investigation also found a short-term reduction in bombings following Ukrainian attacks on airfields housing Su-34 aircraft, though this effect lasts only a few days to a week.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

On Ukraine, Europe is now outspending the US by a margin of three to one, dispelling the myth of Europe's underfunding.
www.kyivpost.com/post/43763

Ukraine's F-16S are again saving lives all over Ukraine today as Russians poured their missile arsenal onto purely civilian infrastructure across the country in what appears to be the largest attack of the war.
www.kyivpost.com/post/43807

Zelensky visited the site of a Russian missile strike on a hospital in Zaporizhzhia on December 10.
The attack killed 11 civilians and injured 22 others, including a five-year-old girl.

The Unraveling: Russia’s Strategic Failures Mount
Digging deeper, Pfarrer pinpoints the very day that Assad’s regime was doomed to collapse, as its military deserted en masse, and what that might portend for Russia’s own army.

A military facility has gone up in flames in Novosibirsk, Russia.
The site, reportedly owned by a company essential for Russia’s strategic operations, was involved in supplying energy infrastructure and producing explosion-proof equipment.
The fire now spans 5,000 square meters.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️Air defense and electronic warfare systems successfully neutralized 81 out of 94 missiles and 185 out of 193 drones. The F-16s also performed effectively.
Once again, the enemy’s attack primarily targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

The Situation Around the “Uspenivka Pocket”
Recent reports from the area are increasingly troubling, as the situation continues to deteriorate. Key locations within the “pocket”—Yelyzavetivka, Romanivka, Veselyi Hai, and Hannivka—are directly in the thick of it, under relentless enemy assault from virtually all directions. Additionally, Trudove, Uspenivka, and Dalnie play a critical role in holding this “pocket.” Russian forces are advancing from Dalnie and Trudove toward Uspenivka, where the “pocket” is at risk of closing.
The enemy has been spotted multiple times in Uspenivka, actively assaulting and attempting to establish positions to push further and fully capture the village. The Defense Forces are working to clear buildings of enemy presence, but their efforts are only partially successful. Meanwhile, the number of enemy infantry continues to grow.
It’s challenging to understand the strategic value of holding the “Uspenivka Pocket” while the enemy gradually takes control of Kurakhove. The Russians are occupying increasingly significant areas within Uspenivka, threatening to encircle Defense Forces units in Hannivka, Uspenivka, Trudove, Veselyi Hai, and Romanivka.

🇺🇸The United States has officially announced a new $500 million military aid package for Ukraine.

🤡Today, Ukraine faces a choice: to side with Russia or disappear entirely from the world map, – Medvedev

🇸🇰 Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that he considers it his “personal duty” to visit Moscow on May 9, asserting that his decision is understood at home.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó called Sergey Lavrov to complain about Ukraine’s rejection of Viktor Orbán’s initiative for a Christmas truce and a prisoner exchange

What do folk think of all these drones over military bases and other sensitive sites? Russia or something else?

I’ve been trying to fight fire on another thread for a few days now, what follows is my current take on this, and sorry, I can’t really cover this with a short post:

There might be something underhand happening at times such as actual illegal drone flying going on, maybe by hobbyists, especially on day one of an outbreak, but after that IMO the media and politicians are responsible for pretty much all the nonsense that has followed (especially in the case of the New Jersey outbreak).

As far as the NJ US sightings go certainly most if not all of the in focus images the MSM are using are to my eyes very obviously fixed wing aircraft, seen at various ranges, usually at night.

The piece on drones in this morning’s UK Daily Mail leads with a daylight image of a what is claimed to be drone taken with a phone - problem is it’s not a drone, what has been snapped is a Boeing Osprey seen from an odd angle at distance..

Fundamentally there’s no proper analysis or examination going on by the MSM, and worse still by continually showing images of aircraft the MSM are basically training the general public to “see” aircraft as drones and so the outbreak continues

Why? I suspect letting this run suits the MSM because it generates clicks and viewing figures, and in the US I suspect it suits some of the politicians to use the event as a stick to beat the outgoing administration.

As for outbreaks elsewhere well of course now worldwide suddenly everyone is sensitized to the subject of drones. There’s a strong chance anything from a hovering raptor in poor light to a hobbyist drone being flown in the wrong place or even the right place has the potential to generate a security alert and make it into the MSM.

In conclusion I think you can’t rule out this all might be down to Russia or Iran but I don’t think there are anything like the number of drones flying around as are being portrayed in the MSM and it’s quite possible what few drones are being flown, if any, are being flown by relatively innocent individuals.

Might not be short but super helpful! Thanks.

You’re welcome…

Once upon a time, certainly UK side, the media outlets employed crusty old retired pilots, often ex-military, who would be asked/dragged into the studio to give their opinion on this sort of thing, for a small fee of course.

I shudder to think of the language some of them would have used if they had been dragged away from their G&T at the bar of their club in London to comment on some of the footage and images we are being presented with.

Sometimes I think maybe the old days were the best….

Thankyou @notimagain !

(it was always better in the old days, except when it wasn't. But I do miss a lot from them!)

Kyiv Independent Telegram highlights

⚡️ Ukraine resisting Russian encirclement attempts at 4 Donetsk Oblast villages, military says. (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-troops-resist-encirclement-in-donetsk-oblast/)

⚡️Russia advances (kyivindependent.com/russia-advances-toward-pokrovsk-kurakhove-ukraine-makes-progress-on-kupiansk-direction-estonian-intelligence-says/) toward Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, Ukraine makes progress near Kupiansk, Estonian intelligence says

Ukraine war latest: Russia launches one of the largest (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-russia-launches-one-of-the-largest-aerial-attacks-on-ukraines-energy-grid/) aerial attacks on Ukraine's energy grid

⚡️Russia appears to be withdrawing military assets (kyivindependent.com/russia-appears-to-be-withdrawing-military-assets-from-syria-satellite-images-suggest/) from Syria, satellite images suggest.
At least two AN-124 heavy military transport planes were spotted at Khmeimim air base, located in Latakia on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, with their nose cones lifted, signaling readiness to load cargo, according to satellite images collected by Maxar.

⚡️EU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns (kyivindependent.com/eu-to-impose-first-sanctions-on-russian-intelligence-over-disinformation-campaigns-bloomberg-reports/), Bloomberg reports.
The proposed measures target more than a dozen individuals and three entities, including Russian intelligence officers and media entrepreneurs, according to Bloomberg. The sanctions aim to counter destabilizing operations globally

⚡️ Over 2,000 Ukrainian military personnel hospitalized (kyivindependent.com/2-000-servicemen-poisoned-3-dead-from-russian-chemical-weapons-since-start-of-war-ukrainian-colonel-says/) for chemical poisoning since start of full-scale war, Ukrainian colonel says.

Ukraine is not prepared to enter negotiations with Russia as it lacks sufficient Western support to engage from a position of strength, Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, said in an interview with Suspilne on Dec. 12. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-not-ready-for-negotiations-without-stronger-western-support-yermak-says/

⚡️ Ukraine's new Ground Forces chief announces reforms (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-new-ground-forces-commander-announces-major-reforms/) focused on personnel, tech.
The newly appointed commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces, General Mykhailo Drapatyi, unveiled plans for fundamental reforms in the branch on Dec. 12, aiming to enhance its effectiveness on the battlefield.
The proposed changes include a revamped recruitment system with "zero tolerance for corruption," improved military training tailored to front-line needs, and integration of advanced technology into training and operational processes.

⚡️Zelensky to meet (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-meet-with-eu-nato-leaders-in-brussels-on-dec-19/) with EU, NATO leaders in Brussels on Dec. 19.

Putin has called for urgent measures to support the country’s coal companies, which face multibillion-dollar losses and risk mass bankruptcies, The Moscow Times reported on Dec. 12. https://kyivindependent.com/putin-orders-support-for-coal-industry/

⚡️ Moldova announces state of emergency (kyivindependent.com/moldova-announces-state-of-emergency-over-expected-halt-of-russian-gas/) over expected halt of Russian gas.
Moldova's parliament on Dec. 13 voted to introduce a 60-day-long state of emergency starting Dec. 16 over the expected halt of Russian gas transit via Ukraine.

⚡️ Italy willing to join potential peacekeeping mission (https://kyivindependent.com/italy-open-to-peacekeeping-in-ukraine-minister/) in Ukraine, defense minister says.

⚡️ Dutch Supreme Court dismisses Russia's appeal in Naftogaz's $5 billion arbitration case. (https://kyivindependent.com/dutch-court-upholds-5-billion-arbitration-ruling-naftogaz/)

⚡️Former prosecutor general Andriy Kostin reportedly appointed (kyivindependent.com/former-prosecutor-general-appointed-ukraines-ambassador-to-netherlands-lawmaker-says/) Ukraine's ambassador to Netherlands.
Former Prosecutor General has been appointed as Ukraine's ambassador to the Netherlands.

⚡️Georgian parliament (kyivindependent.com/georgian-parliament-bans-wearing-masks-using-lasers-pyrotechnics-at-protests/) bans masks, fireworks during protests.

⚡️ Ukraine downs 161 of 287 (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-intercepts-majority-of-russian-missiles-and-drones-in-mass-attack/) Russian missiles, drones in mass aerial attack.

⚡️ Norway to relocate Ukrainian F-16 pilot training base (kyivindependent.com/norway-to-relocate-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-training-in-portugal-norway-defence-minister-says/) to Portugal, Norwegian defense minister says.

⚡️Ukraine reportedly strikes (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-oil-depot-in-russias-oryol-oblast/) oil depot in Russia's Oryol Oblast.

⚡️Russian authorities block Viber messaging app (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-authorities-block-viber-messaging-app/).

Breakaway churches, spiritual awakenings, prayers in captivity. How war is changing Ukraine’s faith
(https://kyivindependent.com/breakaway-churches-spiritual-awakenings-prayers-in-captivity-how-war-is-changing-ukraines-faith/)
Almost a third of Ukrainians say their religious faith has grown since the war broke out, according to a survey conducted last year by the Razumkov Center, a public policy think tank based in Kyiv. Others say their belief has never been more tested.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪

• DEC 14, 2024

■ Engagements stay high but casualties below the 7-day avg (now w/KIA estimation as well) ■ Massive missile & drone attacks, artillery & vehicle losses above avg ■ Air strikes above 7-day avg but stay well below long-term avg

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

✈️ Drone Flights Recorded Over Key Sites in Germany — Spiegel
In recent weeks, drones have been spotted flying over sensitive industrial sites in Germany, as well as over the U.S.-operated Ramstein military base, Spiegel reports.

DPRK Soldiers Reportedly Preparing for Combat in Russia — HUR
According to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia are being prepared for direct involvement in combat operations.
The command of these DPRK units has been ordered to coordinate with Russian forces active in the Kursk region. HUR suggests that these soldiers may soon take part in assault operations, as they recently received additional food supplies and were put on alert as of December 13, 2024. Some DPRK troops are reportedly being covertly transported to the front line in civilian vehicles disguised as water delivery trucks.
Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel in the area report that North Korean troops have already engaged in offensive operations but faced significant casualties.

Russia Reportedly Preparing to Evacuate Military Bases from Syria — Der Spiegel
Russia is reportedly planning to withdraw its military bases from Syria, according to a memo from the German Defense Ministry cited by Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The Russian Mediterranean fleet has already left the port of Tartus, signaling a significant shift.
The new Syrian authorities, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, are expected to guarantee the safe withdrawal of Russian forces but not their continued presence in the country.
This withdrawal poses a major logistical challenge for Russia, particularly with the loss of the Latakia airport, a critical hub for supplying operations in Libya and Africa. Future transport of heavy cargo will require transit licenses from Türkiye, raising concerns within NATO as it monitors shifts in Russia’s supply routes.

🔥 Explosions Rock Russian City of Oryol: Major Fire at Oil Depot
The Ukrainian General Staff later confirmed the strike, targeting the “Steel Horse” linear production dispatch station — one of the largest oil product terminals in the Oryol suburbs. The attack resulted in a significant fire at the facility.

Ukrainian Football Association Appeals to FIFA and UEFA Over Map Error
The Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) has sent an official letter to FIFA and UEFA after Crimea was omitted from Ukraine on a draw map.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russians continue pressing further into Ukraine, with Ukraine's allies still trickling in far under the level of arms that would be needed to successfully counter.
www.kyivpost.com/post/43824

After Trump's statement yesterday giving Putin yet another greenlight to further destroy Ukraine, Kremlin says they "fully align" with his position.
www.kyivpost.com/post/43818

President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached on the second attempt. He is suspected of treason after declaring martial law in the country.

Russia has lost a Su-30 fighter jet and three railway locomotives in the Krasnodar region, reports the Ukrainian Intelligence.
The Su-30 fighter jet was destroyed at the airfield in the city of Krymsk, while the railway locomotives were disabled due to a fire in Krasnodar. The Russians had used them for military purposes.

Russia has lost a Su-30 fighter jet and three railway locomotives in the Krasnodar region, reports the Ukrainian Intelligence.
The Su-30 fighter jet was destroyed at the airfield in the city of Krymsk, while the railway locomotives were disabled due to a fire in Krasnodar. The Russians had used them for military purposes.

Protected by state-of-the-art defenses, Russia's Khalino Air Base was considered impenetrable-until now. In this episode of 'Point of Impact,' former Navy SEAL Chuck Pfarrer analyzes Ukraine's precision strike on this critical Russian military hub.
Watch the full episode here: https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/43834

Locals Mock Russian Troops as They Evacuate Syria
Kyiv Post obtained footage of Russia’s evacuation from Syria’s Khmeimim base, showing locals mocking departing troops –highlighting shifting dynamics after Assad’s fall.
www.kyivpost.com/post/43838

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

[yesterday] Yesterday’s reports about a localized crisis for the Ukrainian Armed Forces south of Kurakhove have been confirmed
Russian soldiers are raising flags in Uspenivka and the village of Veselyi Hai. Fighting in the area is still ongoing, but judging by current trends, the entire salient is likely to come under Russian control in the coming hours.

Trump is determined to achieve peace on the first day of his presidency, according to NBC News sources (www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-team-talks-biden-ukrainian-officials-ending-war-russia-rcna184145)
▪️Trump views Putin, not Ukraine, as the main obstacle, believing that Moscow will be unwilling to cease hostilities.
▪️His team is already in talks with Biden and Ukrainian officials about ending the war with Russia but has yet to reveal any potential plans.
▪️Ukraine’s long-standing goal of joining NATO may likely be abandoned, with security guarantees offered instead. [security guarentees?!]

Mark Rutte opposed publicly discussing a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia
In an exclusive comment to Voice of America, the NATO Secretary General emphasized his preference for keeping the details of what could become a “strong agreement” for Ukraine confidential:
“Otherwise, I’d be making Putin more informed than you’d want him to be. Why have these discussions on television now? Let’s handle this somewhat behind closed doors, because otherwise, when he sits down at the negotiating table, he’ll already know what we’re going to do. That’s why I’m a bit hesitant to answer your question,” Rutte said.

Russia struggles to evacuate hundreds of soldiers from Syria amid security concerns – Ukrainian Intelligence
According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine, hundreds of Russian soldiers are unable to travel from Homs province to the Khmeimim airbase. Russian officials are reportedly seeking guarantees of safe passage for troops stationed near the T4 airfield.
In response, Russian mercenaries, including units from the so-called “African Corps“, have arrived in Syria to secure the movement of Russian forces from inland Syria to coastal bases.
To facilitate the evacuation, Russia plans to deploy at least 25 military transport aircraft to transfer troops, weapons, and equipment from Khmeimim to destinations in Rostov-on-Don, Chkalovsky and Vladivostok.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-13-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces conducted their largest series of missile and drone strikes against Ukraine since the start of the war overnight on December 12 to 13, largely targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
• Russia's strike series targeting Ukrainian energy facilities is part of a broader campaign aimed at freezing out Ukraine in Winter 2024-2025 and compelling Ukraine and the West to self-deter into making policy decisions that benefit Russia.
• Ukrainian strikes against military airfields in Russia and Russian air defense systems in near rear areas may be prompting a decrease in Russian air operations and glide bomb strikes against Ukraine.
• Russia is evacuating elements of its force grouping in Syria while continuing negotiations with select Syrian groups about Russia's longer-term military presence in the country.
• The status of Russia's helicopter base at Qamishli in northeastern Syria remains unclear, however.
• The US Department of Defense (DoD) announced on December 12 a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at $500 million.
• A Russian insider source who has previously correctly predicted command changes within the Russian military responded to recent claims that the Russian military command removed 3rd Combined Arms Army (formerly 2nd Luhansk People's Republic Army Corps) commander Major General Dmitry Ovcharov.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk and Vuhledar.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Rosgvardia Head Viktor Zolotov with the Hero of Russia award.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️North Korean troops joining Russian assaults (kyivindependent.com/north-korean-troops-joining-russian-assaults-in-kursk-zelensky-says/) in Kursk, Zelensky says.

North Korean troops open fire on Russian unit (kyivindependent.com/north-korean-troops-open-fire-on-russian-unit-ukraines-military-intelligence-claims/), Ukraine's military intelligence claims. North Korean soldiers killed eight members of the Chechen Akhmat unit in a "friendly fire" incident while fighting in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine's military intelligence agency reported on Dec. 14. The attack resulted from language barrier issues, the agency said.

⚡️Georgia's opposition parties appeal to EU following election of pro-Russian president (kyivindependent.com/georgias-opposition-parties-appeal-to-eu-following-election-of-pro-russian-president-sova-reports/), Sova reports.

⚡️292 front-line clashes (kyivindependent.com/292-combat-clashes-recorded-at-the-front-general-staff-reports/) recorded over the past day, General Staff reports.

Washington is considering more sanctions on "shadow fleet" tankers and has not ruled out targeting Chinese banks if they are found to be involved in Russia’s war effort, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Reuters in an interview on Dec. 13.
https://kyivindependent.com/us-weighs-sanctions-on-russias-shadow-fleet-chinese-banks-supporting-war-effort-reuters-says/

Defense Minister Serhii Boiev held talks with representatives of the foreign ministries of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden to outline plans for military and financial assistance to Ukraine in 2025, the Defense Ministry reported on its website on Nov. 14. https://kyivindependent.com/defense-minister-outlines-military-and-financial-plans-for-2025-with-baltic-and-nordic-allies/

⚡️Ukraine destroys (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-dorces-disrupt-key-russian-fuel-supply-line-in-zaporizhzhia/) Russian train with 40 fuel tanks in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, source claims.

⚡️Kyiv delayed minerals deal with US to let Trump take credit (https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-delayed-minerals-deal-with-us-to-let-trump-take-credit-nyt-reports/) NYT reports.
Ukrainian authorities twice delayed signing the agreement, officials on both sides of the negotiations said. The delays offer the opportunity for Trump to claim an early victory at the start of his term.

⚡️Ukraine sending humanitarian aid to Syria (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sending-humanitarian-aid-to-syria-to-prevent-food-crisis-zelensky-says/) to prevent 'food crisis,' Zelensky says.

⚡️2 injured in Mykolaiv amid Russia’s overnight missile and drone attack (kyivindependent.com/2-injured-in-mykolaiv-amid-russias-overnight-drone-attack-regional-governor-reports/), Governor reports.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬

• DEC 15, 2024

■ Record number of engagements, casualties slightly below 7-day avg ■ Record high vehicle losses & drone interceptions ■ Artillery, tank, APV & special equipment losses also far above avg ■ Most 🇺🇦 strikes in over three months

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-14-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on December 14 that the Russian military has deployed North Korean soldiers in infantry assaults in Kursk Oblast.
• The prospects for Russia's continued military presence in Syria remain unclear as reports that Russia is evacuating its military assets from Syria continue.
• The complex nature of the interim Syrian government is likely to result in conflicting reports about whether Russia is engaged in talks with Syrian opposition groups.
• Ukrainian forces struck an oil depot in Oryol Oblast on the night of December 13 to 14.
• The new Georgian Dream-dominated parliament and other government bodies elected Georgian Dream's candidate, Mikheil Kavelashvili, as Georgian President on December 14.
• Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Torestk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Robotyne.
• Ukrainian forces regained lost positions near Vovchansk within the past several weeks.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to exalt the "Time of Heroes" veteran program and use it to militarize the Russian government and society.

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🔥 Massive Fire at “Steel Horse” Oil Depot in Orel Escalates
The fire at the “Steel Horse” oil depot in Orel, Russia, continues to intensify. Local media outlets have shared videos showing the growing blaze.
Eyewitnesses report that emergency services are struggling to contain the fire, which broke out following a drone attack in the early hours of December 14.

Russia Pulls Back Troops in Syria but Retains Strategic Bases – Reuters
Russia is withdrawing troops from northern Syria and the Alawite Mountains while maintaining control over its key military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim, according to sources cited by Reuters.

Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Serhiy Kyslytsia, announced that the UN Security Council will convene on Monday to address the recent massive Russian shelling of Ukrainian cities.

A former Pentagon official has emphasized that a Russian victory in Ukraine would have severe financial and strategic consequences for the United States.
Key points from the analysis:
• Ukraine’s defeat could cost the US $808 billion in defense spending over the next five years.
• The George W. Bush Presidential Center advises doubling support to ensure Ukraine’s victory by expediting military aid.
• If Russia seizes Ukraine’s resources, it could use them to bolster its economy and military, posing a greater threat to Eastern Europe and potentially NATO countries by 2030.

In Ulyanovsk, Russia, an explosion destroyed a railway track, disrupting the occupiers’ logistics, according to the HUR (Main Intelligence Directorate).
The explosion occurred on December 14 near the Sviyaga River, just a few kilometers from the local locomotive depot and the Ulyanovsk Motor Plant.

Two Russian tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, are sinking in the Kerch Strait after breaking in half, causing a fuel oil spill.
The Volgoneft-212 tanker, with 13 crew members on board, was carrying about 4,300 tons of fuel oil. Reports later confirmed that Volgoneft-239 also sank after its hull split in two due to a wave.
Around 4,000 tons of fuel oil spilled from Volgoneft-212, creating a massive black slick in the sea.
Update. Waves split the tankers Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239 in half near the shores of Kerch. The first tanker was carrying 4,000 tons of fuel oil. Fifteen crew members were thrown into the sea, and the ships are sinking rapidly.
In both cases, the waves struck the hulls, creating a hole. Cracks then formed, causing the tankers to break in half and sink.

The United States has held direct talks with Syrian rebels who ousted the Assad regime, according to Bloomberg.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that U.S. officials have spoken with leaders of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other groups about principles to guide Syria’s political transition. They also discussed the search for missing American journalist Austin Tice.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Distance apparently no longer an issue for Ukraine's growing drone fleet, a Chechen military base in Grozny was targeted in today's dawn attack.
The Chechen capital is 1500km from Ukraine.

Putin’s Global Strategy: Success or Failure?
Vladimir Putin is a dangerous threat to global security, however do you know what he is like in-person?
www.kyivpost.com/videos/43865

Will Oligarchs Regain Power in Ukraine?
The situation for Ukraine is presently complex. However, Iuliia Mendel says that she has strong faith in the Ukrainian people, no matter what the future holds.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/43900

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇪🇺 Western leaders to discuss peacekeepers with Zelensky in Brussels – Politico (www.politico.eu/article/senior-eu-leaders-to-discuss-ukraine-peace-troops-with-zelenskyy-and-rutte-next-week/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=Twitter)
Media reports suggest that the upcoming meeting of Western leaders in Brussels next week will focus on potential formats for ending the war and the possible creation of a European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.
Participants will include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish President Andrzej Duda, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

This week, Russia used nearly 630 guided aerial bombs, around 550 attack drones, and over 100 missiles of various types against Ukraine, President Zelensky reported.

In Russia, two military buses collided with each other, resulting in casualties
A bus carrying wounded Russian occupiers crashed into a Ural truck carrying other soldiers in the Voronezh oblast, Russia. Five servicemen were killed, and 46 others were injured.

Norwegian NGO "Fritt Ukraina" and the "Come Back Alive" Foundation together collected €1,600,000, which will go towards cleaning the Ukrainian sky from enemy reconnaissance UAVs

🇺🇸🇺🇦 The United States has provided Ukraine with equipment to repair its energy infrastructure
10 autonomous welding machines will accelerate the restoration of Ukraine’s energy systems, which are constantly under attack from Russian strikes.

Commander of the 414th Strike Drone Regiment shared footage of the remains of both Russian and DPRK soldiers, reportedly killed in combat
Previously, Ukrainian intelligence reported that about 200 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured in combat. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/27213