by Ivan Koval (reporting from Ukraine)
Ukrainian flag in nature
Ukraine Weekly Report: December 28, 2024 – January 4, 2025
December 28, 2024
Frontline Clashes: Over 80 combat engagements were recorded along the frontline, with Russian forces continuing missile, air, and artillery strikes on Ukrainian towns and villages.
December 29, 2024
Ukrainian Strikes: Ukraine's Defense Forces conducted strikes on key Russian targets, including fuel depots and areas of personnel concentration, aiming to disrupt enemy logistics and command structures.
December 30, 2024
Prisoner Exchange: Hundreds of prisoners of war were exchanged between Ukraine and Russia, marking a significant humanitarian gesture amid ongoing hostilities.
US Military Aid: The United States announced a $1.25 billion military aid package for Ukraine, intended to bolster its defense capabilities against Russian aggression.
December 31, 2024
New Year's Attacks: Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities during New Year's celebrations, causing casualties and infrastructure damage.
January 1, 2025
Gas Transit Halted: Ukraine ceased the transit of Russian natural gas to Europe following the expiration of a prewar deal, impacting energy supplies to several European countries.
Ukrainian Drone Innovations: Footage emerged showing Ukraine deploying shotgun-wielding drones to target Russian forces on the frontline, demonstrating innovative tactics in the conflict.
January 2, 2025
Russian Military Strategy: Reports indicated that Russia plans to continue its aggressive military strategy in Ukraine into 2025, despite challenges in adequately equipping its expanding forces.
Oil Spill in Crimea: Russian-appointed officials in Crimea declared a regional emergency after oil from storm-struck tankers contaminated Sevastopol's shores, leading to environmental concerns.
January 3, 2025
Russian Equipment Relocation: Ukrainian intelligence reported that Russia is relocating military equipment from Syria to Libya following the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, indicating shifts in Russian military deployments.
Ukraine Weekly Report: December 21 – December 28, 2024
December 21, 2024
Ukrainian Drone Attacks in Russia: Explosions occurred in Sochi as Russian air defenses intercepted Ukrainian drones, causing damage to vehicles and buildings. In Kazan, drones struck the "Azure Skies" residential complex, leading to fires and structural damage.
December 22, 2024
Russian Territorial Claims: Russia announced the capture of Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast, Sontsivka near Kurakhove, and Kruglenkoye in Kursk Oblast, indicating ongoing territorial disputes.
Ukrainian Drone Strike: An oil refinery near Oryol, Russia, was set ablaze following a Ukrainian drone attack, highlighting the reach of Ukrainian operations.
Australian Citizen Captured: Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old Australian, was reportedly captured by Russian forces near Kramatorsk, underscoring international involvement in the conflict.
December 24, 2024
Missile Attack in Kryvyi Rih: A Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih resulted in one fatality, reflecting continued hostilities.
Assassination Attempt in Berdiansk: Vasyl Nechet, the Russian-installed head of Berdiansk, sustained injuries from a car bombing, indicating internal resistance.
Ukrainian Drone Operations: Drones targeted Millerovo in Russia's Rostov Oblast, causing disruptions and damage.
Latvian Support to Ukraine: Latvia donated 612 confiscated vehicles to Ukraine, some designated for military use, showcasing international aid efforts.
Friendly Fire Incident: A Russian ZALA drone damaged a Russian Su-25 aircraft over Donetsk, highlighting operational challenges.
Russian Advances: Russian forces reportedly captured Storozheve, Ukrainka, and Novoolenivka near Pokrovsk, indicating shifts in control.
December 26, 2024
Ukrainian Naval Drone Strike: A Ukrainian naval drone damaged the Russian tug Fedor Uryupin near Chornomorske in Crimea, demonstrating Ukraine's maritime capabilities.
Strategic Ukrainian Strike: The Ukrainian Air Force targeted a fuel plant for ballistic missiles in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov Oblast, disrupting Russian supply lines.
Russian Territorial Gains: Analysts assessed that Russian forces had captured Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast, marking significant territorial changes.
Ukrainian Military Arrest: A Ukrainian platoon commander was arrested on charges of abusing subordinates, reflecting internal disciplinary actions.
December 27, 2024
North Korean Soldier Captured: A North Korean soldier fighting for Russia was captured by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast but later succumbed to injuries, indicating the presence of foreign troops.
Ukrainian HIMARS Strike: A precision strike on a Russian command post in Zaporizhzhia Oblast resulted in the deaths of three Russian captains and the destruction of military vehicles, showcasing Ukraine's tactical capabilities.
December 28, 2024
Drone Strike in Voronezh Oblast: A section of railway in Russia's Voronezh Oblast was damaged by drone debris, disrupting logistics and supply routes.
Ukraine Weekly Report: December 15 – December 21, 2024
December 15, 2024
Russia launched 108 drones targeting various regions in Ukraine, with 56 intercepted by Ukrainian air defense systems.
Reports emerged of North Korean soldiers participating in combat operations in Ukraine, with significant casualties reported.
December 16, 2024
Russian forces intensified efforts to encircle Ukrainian troops near Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast, threatening Ukrainian defensive positions.
December 18, 2024
Ukrainian forces used Storm Shadow missiles to strike a facility in Rostov Oblast, Russia, reportedly involved in missile production.
A Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter was downed by friendly fire, killing its crew members.
The United Kingdom announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including support for the Ukrainian navy and counter-drone systems.
December 19, 2024
Ukraine accused Russia of conducting a massive cyberattack targeting government services.
Reports indicated over 100 North Korean soldiers were killed in fighting in Ukraine, with more than 1,000 wounded.
Ukraine signed a contract for tens of thousands of 155mm artillery propellant charge modules to enhance its artillery capabilities.
December 20, 2024
A Russian missile attack on Kyiv caused at least one fatality, disrupted heating services, and damaged buildings housing several embassies.
Ukrainian forces launched a rocket attack on Russia's Kursk region, resulting in six reported fatalities.
Ukraine facilitated the repatriation of 503 fallen soldiers from Russia and occupied areas.
Ukraine charged a high-ranking Russian general with ordering a missile strike on Kramatorsk that caused civilian casualties, including a journalist.
Ukraine Weekly Report: December 7 – December 14, 2024
December 7, 2024
Ukrainian Naval Drone Strike: Ukrainian naval drones targeted a Russian-controlled gas platform in Crimea, reportedly destroying surveillance systems. The Ukrainian Navy unveiled a new maritime attack drone with a unique trimaran design.
Introduction of 'Peklo' Missile: President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the serial production of the "Peklo" (Hell) missile, a hybrid drone-missile with a range of up to 700 km and a speed of 700 km/h. The missile is designed to enhance Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities.
Arrival of F-16 Fighter Jets: Ukraine received its second batch of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, bolstering its air defense and combat capabilities.
U.S. Military Aid Package: The United States announced a $988 million military aid package for Ukraine, including spare parts for artillery, drones, and ammunition for HIMARS systems.
Frontline Developments: Ukrainian forces reportedly retook the towns of Novaya Sorochina and Malaya Loknya in Russia's Kursk Oblast, while Russian forces claimed control of the village of Beretsky near Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast.
Russian Casualties Reported: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that Russia had suffered 700,000 casualties and spent $200 billion since the full-scale invasion began.
December 8, 2024
Casualties in Kherson Oblast: A Russian drone attack in Kherson Oblast resulted in one death and seven injuries, highlighting ongoing hostilities in the region.
Casualty Figures Clarified: President Zelensky reported that 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and 370,000 wounded since the war's onset, with approximately 50% of the wounded returning to active duty. He also cited Russian casualties at 198,000 killed and over 550,000 wounded.
Expansion of Starshield Terminals: SpaceX and the U.S. Department of Defense agreed to expand Ukraine's access to the secure Starshield network, increasing terminals from 500 to 3,000 to enhance communication capabilities.
December 9, 2024
Assassination in Donetsk: Sergey Yevsiukov, head of the Olenivka prison colony, was killed by a car bomb in Donetsk. His wife sustained severe injuries in the explosion.
Return of POW Remains: Russia returned the remains of Ukrainian POWs killed in a January 2024 plane crash, following an exchange.
Territorial Changes: Russian forces captured the towns of Vyshneve and Pershotravneve west of Svatove, and claimed control of Shevchenko south of Pokrovsk.
December 12, 2024
Drone Attack in Chechnya: Ukrainian drones struck a Russian police barracks in Grozny, Chechnya, causing property damage and injuring four guards.
Assassination of Missile Designer: Mikhail Shatsky, Deputy Chief Designer at the Mars Design Bureau, was killed by Ukrainian operatives near Moscow. He was involved in modernizing Kh-59 and Kh-69 missiles and developing new UAVs.
Sentencing of Ukrainian Soldiers: A Moscow court sentenced two Ukrainian soldiers captured in Kursk Oblast to up to 15 years' imprisonment for attacks on Russian soldiers and civilians.
Conviction of Russian Duma Chairman: A Ukrainian court sentenced Vyacheslav Volodin, chair of the Russian State Duma, to 15 years in absentia for supporting pro-Russian separatists and the annexation of occupied territories.
Territorial Advances: Russian forces captured the towns of Novotroitske south of Pokrovsk and Kalynivka east of Chasiv Yar, and claimed control of Zorya south of Pokrovsk.
December 13, 2024
Massive Russian Air Attack: Russia launched a large-scale air assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, deploying 93 missiles and 200 drones. Ukrainian defenses intercepted 81 missiles, but significant damage led to widespread blackouts. President Zelensky condemned the attacks and called for increased Western support.
December 14, 2024
Drone Attack on Russian Oil Depot: Ukrainian drones attacked an oil depot in Russia's Oryol Oblast, causing a massive fire. The regional governor confirmed the incident, attributing it to a "massive drone attack."
Ukraine Weekly Report: December 1 – December 7, 2024
December 1, 2024
Ukrainian Special Forces Operation: Ukrainian commandos conducted a successful ambush in the Kursk region, resulting in the elimination of 17 Russian soldiers and the capture of 12 others. This operation targeted Russia's 810th Marines Brigade and signifies Ukraine's ongoing offensive capabilities.
December 2, 2024
Introduction of 'Peklo' Drone-Missile: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled the "Peklo" (Hell) hybrid drone-missile to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Developed domestically, this weapon has been tested in combat and aims to enhance Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign-supplied armaments.
December 3, 2024
Russian Indication of Negotiation Terms: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Russia's willingness to negotiate under specific conditions, including Ukraine's exclusion from NATO and recognition of Russian control over eastern territories. Lavrov emphasized Russia's readiness to use all means to defend its interests, highlighting the potential for escalation if demands are not met.
December 4, 2024
Ukrainian Sea Drone Attack: Ukrainian forces executed a night raid using sea drones against Russian gas rigs in the Black Sea, causing significant fires and explosions. These platforms were believed to house Russian surveillance equipment, and their destruction marks a strategic blow to Russian monitoring capabilities in the region.
December 5, 2024
Unveiling of Long-Range 'Peklo' Rocket-Drone: Ukraine showcased the "Peklo" rocket-drone, boasting a range of 700 km and speeds up to 700 kph. This development aims to bolster Ukraine's capacity for deep strikes into Russian territory, surpassing the range of Western-supplied missiles.
December 6, 2024
German Chancellor's Visit to Kyiv: Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Kyiv, pledging continued support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. Despite criticism over his communication with President Putin, Scholz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, though he refrained from supplying long-range missiles or expediting NATO membership for Ukraine.
December 7, 2024
Escalation of Russian Military Actions: Russia intensified its military operations, launching a series of missile strikes targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. These attacks resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage to critical facilities, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and prompting international condemnation.
Please, pray for Ukraine, Ukrainian Christians and this aweful war to stop...