Alex_Sor

The announced figure about the additional mobilization of 450-500 thousand people is “the most modest wish,” and it is necessary to recruit this number of people in a few months, not in a year. This opinion was expressed by ATO veteran, former platoon commander of the Aidar battalion, Yevgeny Diky. “This figure of 450-500 thousand people - the General Staff voiced the most modest wish that can be. I would say that in an amicable way we need to add half a million in a short period. That is, not in a year, do not stretch it out over 40-50 thousand a month, and to get half a million this winter, that is, in about 3-4 months. It’s simply physically impossible even faster,” he explained on the Kiev24 TV channel. According to Dikiy, to achieve this goal in 3-4 months, you need to “work like crazy.” In addition, it is worth making changes to the legislation “for the New Year”. “Create the right framework for this mobilization. Next, appeal to society so that this mobilization is not simply opposed, but vice versa. If you simultaneously recruit half a million people in 3-4 months, and I believe that this is a critical need, it will be necessary to appeal both to society and to volunteers to help dress this number of people and so on at the same time,” the ATO veteran summed up.

Now, from a military point of view, there is no need for large-scale mobilization of women. This was stated by ATO veteran, former platoon commander of the Aidar battalion, Yevgeny Diky. On the air of the Kiev24 TV channel, he emphasized that women have the right to serve. However, the forced mobilization of women will not give anything to the army. “We are seriously discussing this throughout the country, as if there is some kind of bill. I have not heard such proposals from a single person in the army. From a military point of view, there is no need for the mobilization of women,” he emphasized. At the same time, Dikiy noted that women who express a desire to serve have this opportunity. However, there is no need to announce the forced mobilization of women or restrict their travel abroad. “If someone seriously proposed the forced mobilization of women, it would demoralize a lot of soldiers at the front, and there would be no benefit from it,” he stated.

On the night of Friday, December 22, 2023, Russian occupation forces once again attacked Ukraine with kamikaze drones. In Kyiv, UAV debris hit a high-rise building, as well as an unfinished residential building. According to the State Emergency Service, in the Solomensky district of the capital, as a result of enemy shelling, a fire broke out on the 24th floor of a residential building. The fire was extinguished before the arrival of fire and rescue units. In three apartments, partial destruction of walls was recorded on floors 24-26, and in another three, windows were broken. “According to preliminary data, two people were injured, one of whom was hospitalized. Information about the victims is being clarified,” the message says.

During the most difficult period - the autumn-winter season, the Russian occupiers began localized offensive operations along the entire front line in the east of the Ukrainian state in order to seize and maintain the initiative. Adversaries will likely "attempt to maintain or enhance these offensive operations regardless of weather conditions this winter, as they did in the winter of 2022-2023," the US Institute of Warfare (ISW) report says. “Russian troops began localized offensive operations along the entire front line in eastern Ukraine during the most difficult weather of the autumn-winter season. Thus, the aggressor is trying to seize and maintain the initiative, and not wait for severe frosts...”, analysts noted. https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-21-2023

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 21.12.23 were approximately: Situation update as of 6 a.m., December 21, 2023 Day 666 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun. The adversary continues to ignore the laws and customs of warfare, using the terror tactics, launching missile and air strikes, and firing multiple launch rocket systems not only at the military, but also at numerous civilian targets across Ukraine. During the day of December 20, there were 99x combat engagements. The enemy launched a total of 5x missile and 68 air strikes, 88x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. Last night, the russian occupants launched yet another attack on Ukraine, using 35x Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs. The Ukrainian air defense forces and means destroyed 34x strike UAVs. Air strikes hit Syn’kivka (Kharkiv oblast), Serebryans’ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), Ivanivske, Toretsk, Ocheretyne, Orlivka, Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, Novomykhailivka, Novoukrainka (Donetsk oblast), Orikhiv (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Krynky, and Ol’hivka (Kherson oblast). More than 100x settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolaiv oblasts came under artillery fire. Pivnich operational-strategic group, Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. The enemy troops conduct active subversive activities in order to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened axes. The adversary increases the density of minefields along the state border in Belgorod oblast (russia). Khortytsia operational-strategic group, Kup’yans’k axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 16x enemy attacks in the vicinities of Syn’kivka, east of Petropavlivka and Ivanivka (Kharkiv oblast). The adversary attempted to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops in that area. Lyman axis: the Ukrainian soldiers repelled 13x attacks of the occupiers near Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), east of Terny and Spirne (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian troops repelled 7x attacks of the adversary near Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). Tavria operational-strategic group, Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back the enemy who keeps trying to encircle Avdiivka. The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground and inflicting major losses on the invaders. The Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 14x attacks of the adversary in the vicinities of Novokalynove, east of Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, and 22x more attacks near Sjeverne, Pervomais’ke, and Nevel’s’ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar’inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the vicinities of Mar’inka, Pobjeda, and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). The Ukrainian defenders repelled 10x attacks in that area. Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 6x adversary attacks west of Verbove and south of Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their active operations on Melitopol’ axis to inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the occupation forces, and exhaust the enemy all along the front line. Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: the Ukrainian troops continue to expand the bridgehead. The enemy did not abandon its intention to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions and, despite previous failures, made more than 30x unsuccessful attempts to assault. The attacks were repelled and the invaders retreated having suffered losses. The Ukrainian defenders conduct counter-battery fire, as they strike behind the enemy lines. During the day of December 20, Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 16x concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, and 1x anti-aircraft missile system of the adversary. Also, the Ukrainian air defense forces and means destroyed 1x Kh-59 guided missile. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 5x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 1x ammunition depot, and 6x artillery systems of the adversary.

Scarier than pirates: Yemeni militants could trigger a global inflationary spike Shelling of ships in the Red Sea has already "raised" the prices of oil, gas and gold The war in the Middle East dealt another blow to global trade in goods and, in particular, energy carriers, which play the role of the "blood system" of the world economy. The British corporation BP announced today that it is stopping the transit of all its tankers through the Red Sea. The reason is the escalation of shelling of ships heading this route by Yemeni Houthi fighters supported by Iran. This is how they show solidarity with Hamas terrorists in the confrontation with Israel. After that, Brent and WTI oil prices increased during the day by almost 3.5% (to $79.15 and $74, respectively). On December 15, the world's largest container shipping companies - CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, ZIM and MSC - announced the suspension of operations on the Red Sea and Suez Canal routes. Now the market is preparing for the fact that, after BP, the decision to stop tanker transportation will also be announced by majors such as Shell or Chevron. And this, writes The Economist, threatens the world economy with a new jump in commodity prices. https://www.economist.com/international/2023/12/16/a-new-suez-crisis-threatens-the-world-economy

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 20.12.23 were approximately: Situation update as of 6 a.m., December 20, 2023 Day 665 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun. The adversary continues to ignore the laws and customs of warfare, using the terror tactics, launching missile and air strikes, and firing multiple launch rocket systems not only at the military, but also at numerous civilian targets across Ukraine. During the day of December 19, there were 87x combat engagements. The enemy launched a total of 1x missile and 26x air strikes, 87x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. During the day of December 19, the russian occupiers attacked Ukraine, using 17x Shahed-136/131 UAVs. All of the enemy drones have been destroyed. Also, during the day of December 20, the adversary launched yet another air strike using 4x Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs. The Ukrainian air defense forces and means destroyed 3x UAVs. Air strikes hit Syn’kivka (Kharkiv oblast), Novolyubivka (Luhansk oblast), Mala Tokmachka, and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 110x settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolayiv oblasts came under artillery fire. Pivnich operational-strategic group, Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. The enemy troops conduct active subversive activities in order to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened axes. The adversary increases the density of minefields along the state border in Belgorod oblast (russia). Khortytsia operational-strategic group, Kup’yans’k axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 3x enemy attacks near Syn’kivka (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian troops repelled 6x attacks of the adversary in the vicinities of Serebryans’ke forestry (Luhansk oblast) and east of Terny (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian troops repelled 12x attacks of the adversary near Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the enemy, and consolidate their new positions. Tavria operational-strategic group, Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back the enemy who keeps trying to encircle Avdiivka. The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground and inflicting major losses on the occupiers. The Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 26x attacks of the adversary east of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, and 9x more attacks south of Sjeverne, Pervomais’ke, and Nevel’s’ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar’inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). 13x adversary attacks were repelled in that area. Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 12x adversary attacks west of Novopokrovka and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their active operations on Melitopol’ axis to inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the occupation forces, and exhaust the enemy all along the front line. Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to expand the bridgehead. The enemy did not abandon its intention to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions and, despite previous failures, made 8x attempts to assault. The attacks were repelled and the invaders retreated having suffered losses. The Ukrainian defenders conduct counter-battery fire, as they strike behind the enemy lines. Given the shortage of russia-manufactured ammunition, the russian occupation troops are forced to use poor quality artillery shells and mortar charges supplied by north korea. Due to the poor quality, there are numerous reports of the ammunition exploding inside the barrels of the occupiers’ guns and mortars. This causes losses of weapons and personnel of the invaders. The reports included cases that happened in the Dnieper group of troops, under the commanded by General Teplinskiy. During the day of December 19, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 6x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment of the adversary. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 3x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 1x command post, 3x artillery systems, and 4x ammunition depots of the russian invaders.

Serg Marco (Volunteer, Journalist, Ukraine) writes: Yesterday at the press conference, President Zelensky spoke "about a million drones"... A million drones. I see a lot of criticism from people for this phrase, but for the most part there is nothing cosmic about these numbers. A million drones (if you take fpv with an average cost of 500 bucks per piece) is $500 million in 12 months, or $41.6 million per month. This is about 83 thousand fpv per month. I remind you, one 155-mm caliber shell costs about 3.5 thousand bucks. And we need hundreds of thousands, even millions of them. One brigade in the active phase of hostilities uses 500-600 fpv per month. This is the minimum. How many thousand a month, when it's full, you can make a hundred fpvs with several crews in a day, if we had thermal imaging fpvs, this figure could be even higher. If we take the fact that this direction will only develop and evolve, then these numbers are no longer considered incredible. Not taking into account thousands of other drones, from Mavics and Autels to wings and bomber copters, which are needed in total less than fpv, but the numbers there are also quite large. That is, a million drones for a person who sees the entire turnover of drones on the front is a fantastic number. Is it unbearable? Especially if you need to keep some of these drones in reserve. But. The devil is always in the details. Now the question is not so much in quantity, but in standardization and ammunition. Ammunition initiation fees are still done by garages. And since "which board is reliable, and which thread" is calculated by trial and error, engineers sometimes die in the process. There are still no standardized ammunition for 7 and 10 frames. The same problem with resets, only one PTAB. Once again, garage production, and where it is of poor quality, people die. There is still no single agreed-upon kit with a ground station and additional equipment for pilots. As a rule, pilots themselves will purchase additional equipment, amplifiers, a navigator's screen, etc. It is not clear how many drones with a day camera and with a thermal imaging camera should be purchased in order to have enough tools for both times of the day. Orders for fpv on digital communication (which is our future) and with a target capture system have not yet been placed. There is already an example with thermal imagers on fpv, which hints at the fact that digital fpv and fpv with target capture will appear in the Russians earlier than in ours. I am generally silent about repeater drones for fpv. As well as how the regulatory authorities have made it a practice to terrorize such productions, and there is still no control over them. We should probably write a petition so that all these siskareys/sledaks who are still living on the principle of "we need to shake up the business for the New Year, I won't drive an old BMW model like a fool in the new year?" also start serving summonses. And this is only fpv. In which I am not really a specialist, to be honest. But I can paint an even bigger sheet on the wings... We will never surpass the Russian Federation in resource base and quantity. We have succeeded in this war by more efficient use of means. Increasing the number of drones without a proper strategy is not the way to victory. Therefore, there will be no criticism of "a million drones" from me, now all drone manufacturers are scaling up a lot, maybe this is a real number. But we would like evolution on other issues.

71% of developers in Ukraine are demotivated by low wages. Research by Netpeak Group The IT recruiting agency Netpeak Talent (part of the Netpeak Group of IT companies) published a study of the portrait of a modern Ukrainian developer, which was conducted in November 2023. Recruiters decided to find out how much developers earn, what motivates them the most (or vice versa), how they study and spend their free time. The results of the research are published on the Netpeak Group Space channel. The study covered 136 developers, of which the vast majority were men (88%), women accounted for 12%. At the same time, 80% of respondents are younger than 35 years old. The gradation of remuneration directly depends on the level of expertise of the employee, so the median salary of Junior-level specialists (Junior, Strong Junior/Junior+, Pre-Middle) is $1,200 (according to the data of 38 respondents), Middle (Middle, Strong Middle) — $2,700 (68) , Senior — $4000 (26). Most developers are motivated by salary (87%) and professional growth (71%). Also among the 5 most motivating factors for them: flexible schedule (49%), effective management (41%) and freedom in decision-making (38%). At the same time, low salary (71%), lack of career growth (56%) and incompetent company management (46%) became the key demotivating factors. Also among the 5 most demotivating factors: lack of balance between work and personal life (40%) and lack of flexible work schedule (36%). Interestingly, 71 (52%) developers prefer self-education, have not taken any courses and are self-taught. Of the paid resources, 12 (9%) respondents indicated Udemy courses, and 9 (7%) developers mentioned such platforms as GoIT, ITStep Academy and Hillel. In their spare time, developers prefer training in the gym, watching movies and TV series, spending time with their family, playing video games, and going for walks in the fresh air. The majority of respondents answered that they prefer entertainment (70%), informational (70%) and professional content (68%).

Ukraine has curtailed military operations due to a shortage of foreign aid. Ukrainian soldiers on the front line are facing a shortage of artillery shells and have scaled back some military operations due to a lack of foreign aid, The Guardian reports. Brigadier General Alexander Tarnavsky said operations at the front had to be scaled back after Republican lawmakers delayed a $60 billion US aid package and Hungary blocked 50 billion euros in EU funding for Kyiv. “There is a problem with ammunition, especially post-Soviet (shells - UNIAN) - these are 122 mm, 152 mm. And today these problems exist along the entire front line... The volumes that we have today are not enough for us today, given our needs. So , we are redistributing them. We are rescheduling the tasks that we set for ourselves and reducing them because we need to ensure that they are completed," Tarnavsky said.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine need recruits, so the authorities will have to make difficult decisions, – The Economist Russia also faced difficulties during mobilization, but has a significantly larger number of potential soldiers. Ukraine's defense forces face the challenge of recruiting recruits as they mobilize as they desperately try to seal off their front lines from further Russian attacks. What lawyers call the “deployment lottery” complicates the recruitment process. In this regard, the authorities will have to make “difficult decisions,” writes The Economist. “The army leadership is trying to fill the places with those who want it; sometimes they resort to conscription raids in gyms and shopping centers. Few of those who sign up in this way become good soldiers,” the publication notes. One officer complained that 45-47 year old recruits "suffocate when they first get to the front line." Recognizing this problem, in September the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense began work on a new mobilization strategy. The department notes that part of the problem lies in the success of the army. The reforms aim to give more choice to those on the fence. They will be able to choose a specific position. The new digital registry will improve the ministry's understanding of human resources. A clearer system of rest and rotation will appear. Volunteers will be mobilized for a certain period, and not indefinitely, as is happening now, the journalists explained. They gave examples of successful recruitment campaigns in individual units. The Third Assault Brigade, created nine months after the start of the war as a unit of Ukrainian special forces, is actively promoting itself. Equally important is the reputation of the brigade, which is famous for its competent command, good equipment and low level of personnel attrition. Most of its recruits are under 25 years old. According to the publication, Russia is also experiencing difficulties in mobilizing the required number of military personnel. The tactic of sending huge numbers of men into an assault, often without proper equipment, could result in daily casualties of up to 1,000. "But fundamental factors indicate that Ukraine faces a gigantic challenge. With about four times as many potential soldiers, Russia has an advantage in the long term. In its prisons and poorest areas, conscription looks rational," says The Economist. Some Ukrainian military officials believe Ukraine risks falling into a trap. Russia will intensify its mobilization after the completion of the presidential elections in March 2024. According to journalists, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky does not want to overly irritate the population with increased mobilization, but “difficult decisions lie ahead.” A high-level source predicts media campaigns promoting national sacrifice and warning about the threat of the Russian Federation, which is not decreasing. https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/12/17/ukraines-army-is-struggling-to-find-good-recruits

The doctrine of battles changes every four months. But all types of weapons are now relevant in war. The most vulnerable equipment with frontal combat is tanks, etc. The least susceptible equipment is mobile artillery. This is statistics from both sides. Ours and the Russian Federation. Dot. Everything else is chatter. Among artillery, towed artillery suffered the greatest losses. Let's look at the statistics for the day.

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 18.12.23 were approximately: Situation update as of 6 a.m., December 18, 2023 Day 663 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun. The adversary continues to ignore the laws and customs of warfare, using the terror tactics, launching missile and air strikes, and firing multiple launch rocket systems not only at the military, but also at numerous civilian targets across Ukraine. During the day of December 17, there were 64x combat engagements. The enemy launched a total of 2x missile and 29x air strikes, 47x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. The russian occupants launched yet another attack on Ukraine, using 5x Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs last night. The Ukrainian air defense forces and means intercepted all of the attack UAVs. Air strikes hit Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast), Terny, Zvanivka, Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, Novomykhailivka, Paraskoviivka (Donetsk oblast), Krynky, Ol’hivka (Kherson oblast). More than 100x settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolayiv oblasts came under artillery fire. Pivnich operational-strategic group, Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. The enemy troops conduct active subversive activities in order to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened axes. The adversary increases the density of minefields along the state border in Belgorod oblast (russia). Khortytsia operational-strategic group, Kup’yans’k axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 9x enemy attacks in the vicinities of Syn’kivka and east of Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian soldiers repelled 8x enemy attacks near Makiivka (Luhansk oblast) and east of Terny (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 5x attacks of the adversary in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the enemy, and consolidate their new positions. Tavria operational-strategic group, Avdiivka axis: Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy who keeps trying to encircle Avdiivka. The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground and inflicting major losses on the occupiers. For instance, 16x adversary attacks were repelled east of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, and 11x more south of Tonen’ke, Nevel’s’ke, and Pervomais’ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar’inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding back the enemy in the vicinity of Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). 4X attacks were repelled in that area. Shakhtars’ke axis: the invaders did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 4x adversary attacks west of Verbove and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their active operations on Melitopol’ axis to inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the occupation forces, and exhaust the enemy all along the front line. Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: the Ukrainian troops maintain their positions held on the left bank of the Dnipro River, conduct counter-battery fire, as they strike behind the enemy lines. During the day of December 17, Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 1x concentration of troops, weapons and military equipment, and 2x anti-aircraft missile systems of the adversary. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 4x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 1x artillery system, and 1x ammunition depot of the russian invaders.

The issue of further assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine will be decided next year. This was stated by US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, NBC News reports. "It's going to be in place for next year. We feel like we're being held back. We're not close to a deal yet. It's going to happen next year," Graham said. As is known, earlier the Speaker of the House of Representatives from the Republican Party, Mike Johnson, and his fellow party members in the Senate have repeatedly stated that they would support the allocation of aid to Ukraine only if it was in a package with a decision to strengthen control on the US-Mexico border.

Soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces hold positions on the left bank of the Kherson region. They even manage to continue to transfer reinforcements to this section of the front. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War reported this in their report with reference to the Russian “military correspondent”. At the same time, another milibloger claimed that the occupation forces in the Kherson region had new problems. In particular, the Russian military complains about the lack of transport to evacuate the wounded. Also, the Russian Armed Forces in the area of the village of Krynki have problems with the availability of electronic warfare (EW) systems to protect evacuation groups from Ukrainian drones, and also lack anti-battery and communications capabilities. According to Ukrainian military observer Konstantin Mashovets, units of the Russian 2nd motorized rifle battalion are operating near Krynki. According to British intelligence, the new Russian division failed operations on the left bank of the Kherson region. The newly formed 104th Guards Airborne Division (Russian airborne forces "VDV") suffered extremely heavy losses. https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-17-2023

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 16.12.23 were approximately: Situation update as of 6 a.m., December 16, 2023 Day 661 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun. The adversary continues to ignore the laws and customs of warfare, using the terror tactics, launching missile and air strikes, and firing multiple launch rocket systems not only at the military, but also at numerous civilian targets across Ukraine. During the day of December 15, there were 96x combat engagements. The enemy launched a total of 2x missile and 23x air strikes, 40x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. Last night, the russian occupants launched yet another attack on Ukraine, using 31x Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs. The Ukrainian air defense forces and means destroyed 30x strike UAVs. Air strikes hit Krasnyi Khutir, Hrem’yach, Halahanivka (Chernihiv oblast), Volfyne (Sumy oblast), Mar’inka, Maksymil’yanivka, Pobjeda, and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). More than 130x settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolayiv oblasts came under artillery fire. Pivnich operational-strategic group, Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. The enemy troops conduct active subversive activities in order to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened axes. The adversary increases the density of minefields along the state border in Belgorod oblast (russia). Khortytsia operational-strategic group, Kup’yans’k axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 9x enemy attacks in the vicinity of Syn’kivka (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 5x enemy attacks east of Terny, Yampolivka, (Donetsk oblast), and Makiivka (Luhansk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian troops repelled 18x attacks of the adversary near Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the enemy, and consolidate their new positions. Tavria operational-strategic group, Avdiivka axis: the occupiers keep trying to encircle Avdiivka. The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground as they inflict major losses on the enemy. In doing so, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 20x attacks of the adversary east of Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, and 14x more attacks east of Stepove, south of Sjeverne and Pervomais’ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar’inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, Mar’inka, and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). The Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled 13x attacks in that area. Shakhtars’ke axis: the Ukrainian soldiers repelled 2x attacks of the occupiers near Staromaiors’ke (Donetsk oblast). Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 8x adversary attacks west of Novopokrovka and south of Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their active operations on Melitopol’ axis to inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the occupation forces, and exhaust the enemy all along the front line. Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: the Ukrainian troops maintain their positions held on the left bank of the Dnipro River, conduct counter-battery fire, and strike behind the enemy lines. During the day of December 15, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 7x air strikes on the concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment of the adversary. Also, the Ukrainian air defense destroyed 1x Kh-59 guided missile during the day of December 15. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 4x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, and 2x ammunition depots of the russian invaders.

On February 24, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops are shelling and destroying key infrastructure facilities, conducting massive shelling of residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages. I am in the capital of Ukraine, the city of Kyiv. I do not leave the city, I follow what is happening here, reassure my family and friends, explain the situation and follow the press reports. A lot of panic messages, a lot of fake news from Russian propaganda. I select only the information that has confirmation. As a former military man (in the distant past), I have a good understanding of how hostilities are conducted and what weapons are used. I will answer all your questions. I could do some remote work for you, for example, consultations on distillation issues, selection and operation of equipment, etc. Since February 24, Russia has attacked Ukraine, many cities of Ukraine have been destroyed. Because of the war, I lost my business in Ukraine, if you want to help me and my family, my Paypal is: Alex.Sor.2022@gmail.com

Russia intends to continue military operations in Ukraine until 2026, and during this time it plans to capture most of the Zaporozhye, Dnepropetrovsk and Kharkov regions, including their regional centers. BILD military analyst Julian Röpke writes about this, citing data from intelligence sources. “According to this information, the Russian authorities are counting on a decrease in Western support for Ukraine, as well as on imitation peace negotiations in order to mislead the world community about Russia’s “peaceful intentions.” In fact, the Kremlin is not planning any truce and is developing a new medium-term war plan in Ukraine,” writes BILD. Thus, by the end of 2024, the Russian Federation plans to establish full control over the Donetsk and Lugansk regions and reach the Oskol River in the Kharkov region. By the end of 2026, Russia plans to advance further west to the Dnieper and capture a significant part of the Zaporozhye, Dnepropetrovsk and Kharkov regions, including the cities of Kharkov, Dnieper and Zaporozhye. At the same time, on the Kherson front it is planned to hold the defense along the Dnieper, without advancing on the right bank of Kherson or Odessa. “All eastern territories to the left of the Dnieper must be conquered within 36 months,” said a BILD source. “Then the river will become a new front.” Also, according to intelligence data, the Russian authorities are ready to lose up to 100 thousand soldiers in Ukraine every year to achieve these goals.

Russian troops conducted localized offensive operations on December 15. The occupiers have had some success near Bakhmut, Avdeevka and Marinka. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian troops continued localized offensive operations near Bakhmut on December 15 and achieved confirmed successes. It is noted that Russian troops have recently advanced northwest of Kleshcheevka. In addition, Russian sources are increasingly characterizing the operation in the Bakhmut area as an operation to encircle Chasovoy Yar. In turn, Russian military bloggers call the attacks in the area of Bogdanovka, Khromovoy, Kleshcheevka and Andreevka as an organized attack on Chasov Yar. At the same time, it will be difficult to encircle Chasov Yar due to the fortifications and the location of the settlement at a tactical height. Analysts believe that Russian troops are about nine kilometers from Chasovoy Yar. Russian troops also advanced in the Avdeevka area, namely near Stepnoye and Pervomaisky. Russian military bloggers claimed that the occupiers advanced near the railway line north of Stepnoye and captured positions in the forested area north of Stepnoye. In addition, the Russians advanced in western Marinka. Ukrainian and Russian sources stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces struck the temporarily occupied Mariupol of the Donetsk region on December 14. Geolocation footage published on December 14 and 15 shows a powerful fire in two places in Mariupol, including the Port City shopping center. Advisor to the mayor of Mariupol Pyotr Andryushenko said that the invaders stored military equipment there, including components of the air defense system.

On the night of December 16, Russian invaders launched 31 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs across Ukraine. As a result of combat work, 30 “martyrs” were destroyed “On the night of November 16, 2023, the enemy attacked with Shahed-type attack drones in three directions – Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Seshcha, Kursk-RF. In total, 31 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs were used in the attack, which the invaders sent to different regions of Ukraine.” , - says the message of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Fighters, anti-aircraft missile units and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Air Defense Forces are involved in repelling the air attack “As a result of combat work, 30 “martyrs” were destroyed within the Dnepropetrovsk, Kiev, Vinnitsa, Chernigov, Sumy, Poltava, Cherkassy, Kherson, Zaporozhye, Nikolaev and Khmelnytsky regions,” the military summed up. Night attack in Ukraine - top news On the night of December 16, Russian occupiers again attacked the sleeping cities of Ukraine. After the air raid warning was announced, explosions were heard in a number of regions and in the suburbs of Kyiv. According to the head of the KMVA Sergei Popko, the invaders have returned to the tactics of May 2023. The air defense forces destroyed all enemy targets.

The mystery of the missing binder: How a collection of raw Russian intelligence disappeared under Trump By Jeremy Herb, Katie Bo Lillis, Natasha Bertrand, Evan Perez and Zachary Cohen, CNN December 15, 2023 Washington (CNN) — A binder containing highly classified information related to Russian election interference went missing at the end of Donald Trump’s presidency, raising alarms among intelligence officials that some of the most closely guarded national security secrets from the US and its allies could be exposed, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. Its disappearance, which has not been previously reported, was so concerning that intelligence officials briefed Senate Intelligence Committee leaders last year about the missing materials and the government’s efforts to retrieve them, the sources said. In the two-plus years since Trump left office, the missing intelligence does not appear to have been found. The binder contained raw intelligence the US and its NATO allies collected on Russians and Russian agents, including sources and methods that informed the US government’s assessment that Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to help Trump win the 2016 election, sources tell CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2023/12/politics/missing-russia-intelligence-trump-dg/

The United States will have to choose between its own combat readiness and the supply of weapons to Ukraine due to the exhaustion of funds to support Kyiv. Pentagon Secretary Pat Ryder said this at a briefing. According to him, the Pentagon has about $4.4 billion left. The presidential assistance fund contains about $1 billion. "Of course, we have the option to spend the entire $4.4 billion, but it is a difficult choice. Ultimately, we will have to make decisions on our own combat readiness and our ability to continue to support Ukraine to the extent that it should be supported on the battlefield "This is the reason we are asking Congress to approve the request for additional funding as quickly as possible," he said.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops are shelling and destroying key infrastructure facilities, conducting massive shelling of residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages. I am in the capital of Ukraine, the city of Kyiv. I do not leave the city, I follow what is happening here, reassure my family and friends, explain the situation and follow the press reports. A lot of panic messages, a lot of fake news from Russian propaganda. I select only the information that has confirmation. As a former military man (in the distant past), I have a good understanding of how hostilities are conducted and what weapons are used. I will answer all your questions. Since February 24, Russia has attacked Ukraine, many cities of Ukraine have been destroyed. Because of the war, I lost my business in Ukraine, if you want to help me and my family, my Paypal is: Alex.Sor.2022@gmail.com

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 15.12.23 were approximately: Situation update as of 6 a.m., December 15, 2023 Day 660 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine has begun. The adversary continues to ignore the laws and customs of warfare, using the terror tactics, launching missile and air strikes, and firing multiple launch rocket systems not only at the military, but also at civilian targets across Ukraine. During the day of December 14, there were 110x combat engagements. The enemy launched a total of 4x missile and 50x air strikes, 56x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. Last night, the russian occupants launched yet another attack on Ukraine, using 1x S-300 anti-aircraft guided missile and 14x Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs. The Ukrainian air defense forces and means destroyed all of the strike UAVs. Air strikes hit Syn’kivka (Kharkiv oblast), Serebryans’ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Ivanivske, Andriivka, Toretsk, Avdiivka, Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka, Prechystivka (Donetsk oblast), Preobrazhenka (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Dar’ivka, Krynky, and Prydniprovs’ke (Kherson oblast). More than 100x settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolayiv oblasts came under artillery fire. Pivnich operational-strategic group, Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. The enemy troops conduct active subversive activities in order to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened axes. The adversary increases the density of minefields along the state border in Belgorod oblast (russia). Khortytsia operational-strategic group, Kup’yans’k axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 15x enemy attacks in the vicinity of Syn’kivka (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 1x enemy attack east of Terny (Luhansk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian troops repelled 11x attacks of the adversary near Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the enemy, and consolidate their new positions. Tavria operational-strategic group, Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back the enemy who keeps trying to encircle Avdiivka. The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground and inflicting major losses on the occupiers. The Ukrainian Defense Forces successfully repelled 23x enemy attacks east of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, and 22x more attacks south of Sjeverne, Pervomais’ke, and Nevel’s’ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar’inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding back the enemy in the vicinity of Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). The Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled 17x attacks in that area. Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 9x adversary attacks north of Pryyutne, west, and northwest of Verbove (Zaporizhzhia oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their active operations on Melitopol’ axis to inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the occupation forces, and exhaust the enemy all along the front line. Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: the Ukrainian troops maintain their positions held on the left bank of the Dnipro River, continue to conduct counter-battery fire, as they strike behind the enemy lines. During the day of December 14, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 2x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment of the adversary. During the day of December 14 also, the Ukrainian defenders destroyed 1x Kh-47M Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 2x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 1x command post, and 2x ammunition depots of the russian invaders.