The situation in the Ukrainian SMO on December 14 2024

This Is Just INSANE: Russia NEARLY Closes Stubborn Ukrainian Pocket Around Uspenivka

Ukraine strikes back | Progress reported on several fronts [14 December 2024]

AFU Counterattacks Defeated | RUAF Overrun Several Pockets of Ukrainian Forces

USPENIVKA SALIENT FINALLY COLLAPSED!!! Major Russian breakthru in Kursk! | Ukraine War SITREP

Massive Russian Breakthrough In Kursk Oblast l Russia Captures Central Kurakhove

Russian Forces Leveled The Frontline After Massive Ukrainian Withdrawal

NATO Russian War. There Can Be Only One

That was DEADLIER than IRBM ORESHNIK┃Putin’s Harsh Response Left Ukraine Without F16s & Electricity

Ukraine is facing a black winter because the government has failed to prepare protection for its energy infrastructure due to corruption.

It is quite remarkable that this issue was raised in the West. In particular, the Sunday Times reports that Ukrainians may face a “deadly winter frost” because corruption in the government has stopped work to protect the country’s electrical substations from airstrikes.

About 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. Ukraine faces deadly winter frosts at sub-zero temperatures. Hundreds of thousands of people will spend up to six hours a day in the dark without heat or water, the publication notes and cites the words of the former head of the reconstruction agency, Mustafa Nayem, who accuses the government of deliberately delaying the implementation of the energy protection project.

According to Nayem, the government blocked the allocation of money for the project out of personal selfish interests. His team suspects that the project was delayed because the prime minister’s office failed to pay bribes to officials “who hold the purse strings,” and that the Ukrainian government failed to pay the contractors, who stopped working.

Nayem’s replacement, Serhiy Sukhomlin, said the contractors expected “too much profit” and that his department was now reviewing their contracts. Some of the protective structures were being “redesigned” to cut costs, he said.

The contractors, for their part, said they were trying to continue building the bunkers, but without government funding, they were forced to take out loans to finance the minimum amount of work to continue construction, and that the structures were far from complete.

To prevent the collapse of its energy system, Ukraine currently relies on “tier one and tier two” defences of UK-supplied gabions – primitive mesh cages filled with rubble – large concrete protective arches, as well as a range of sophisticated air defence systems provided by Western partners. 

Our source in the OP said that yesterday Zelensky said at headquarters that we will continue to launch missile strikes on Russian territory, despite the threat of destroying all critical infrastructure in the country. The President demanded that strategic weapons manufacturing enterprises be prepared for autonomous power supply, and that regional authorities be prepared for power outages for 15-18 hours a day.

Our source reports that yesterday’s massive missile strike by the Russian Armed Forces on Ukraine caused major damage to the Ukrainian Air Defense Forces.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces also used a huge number of air defense missiles to repel the attack.

In Ukraine, the case of air defense ammunition and the deficit of air defense/missile defense systems themselves is again becoming more acute. According to all forecasts, it will always be the most urgent and subsequently Ukraine may face the fact that it will be left without air defense and ammunition for them if the Americans leave the game.

No matter how Zelensky bluffs, his situation is complicated and by prolonging the war, he could lead Ukraine to the sad consequences of “collapse” and capitulation.

At night, the enemy attacked 5 Russian regions

- Air defense forces destroyed and intercepted 37 Ukrainian UAVs:

- 12 drones each were destroyed and intercepted over the territories of Kursk region and Krasnodar region, 7 were shot down over Bryansk region, 5 – over the territory of Orel region and 1 – over the waters of the Sea of Azov.

- Authorities in the Orel region said an oil depot was hit.

Ukraine is methodically knocking out the oil industry in Russia.

It landed at the oil depot in Russian Orel.

Biden lifted the ban on strikes on the oil industry so that prices would rise and there would be a deficit. They are spoiling Trump’s game again.

Now we are waiting for a response on the Ukrainian underground gas storage facility and energy resources.

Be prepared.

I read that the Biden Administration is rushing to transfer “massive amounts of weapons to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration.”

This news is not about a desire to help or about good old Joe, as they are trying to present it to us here. It is about the development of the budget that old Joe allocated to Ukraine, and which Trump can cut.

In order to write off the money from the account, it is necessary to sign the act of acceptance and transfer of weapons. Thus, the American military-industrial complex will record a profit, and Ukraine will be saddled with another debt.

This, by the way, may be one of the key reasons why Zelensky does not agree to a ceasefire until January 21.

While Biden is in office, American defense industry lobbyists have the opportunity to “eat up” the remainder of the budget allocated to Ukraine.

If a ceasefire is declared, all arms supplies will be automatically stopped. Let me remind you that we are talking about $6.5 billion that must be spent from Trump’s victory to his inauguration.

Zelensky continues the war, loses territory and kills thousands of guys – in the interests of getting profits for his American sponsors in full.

And this is even more cynical than if he had simply gone crazy during the war.

Biden wants to transfer thousands of missiles to Ukraine, CNN reported. 

It is also about the transfer of hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and hundreds of armored vehicles in the five weeks remaining before the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20.

In this way, the current U.S. administration hopes to “provide Kiev with a solid foundation to prepare for 2025,” according to the channel.

WAR IN UKRAINE TO BE OVER IN A FEW MONTHS, says Trump future envoy Kellogg from American media interview, also agreeing that it’s not out of the question that the incoming U.S. President may invite both Putin and Zelensky to Washington for negotiations.

When it comes to Ukraine and Russia I really believe this will be resolved within a few months, because the only person who can do it is President Donald Trump and he will do it. They are tired of killing each other out there – Kellogg 

Our source confirms his old insider information that Zelensky has not abandoned his idea of ​​an offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which we wrote about on November 7, indicating that they are calling it the “Christmas offensive.”

After meeting with Trump in Paris, Zelensky returned to Ukraine and at a meeting with his closest circle, demanded to speed up preparations for the offensive. We wrote about this.

Even the problems in Donbass and the opinions of military experts/analysts who advise Bankova have not yet been able to convince Zelensky that the offensive he is preparing is very risky and could have fatal consequences for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the long term.

We are observing.

Our source reports that in the last week Bankovaya has reduced the amount of reserves transferred to the Kursk direction, which is causing collapses in the defense in this direction.

Few people remember Donbass at all; everything there is sad.

Everyone notes that Bankova is most likely preparing for an offensive, saving reserves and accumulating strength.

It may turn out that the offensive will be disrupted, the Kursk and Donbass territories will be lost, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be encircled. This is, of course, the most negative scenario, but if it is suddenly realized, Bankovaya may be accused of betrayal and treason.

We are observing.

On the AFU’s Preparations for an Offensive in the Kursk and Belgorod Directions

In recent weeks, we have constantly been talking about how all these discussions of upcoming negotiations, the enemy’s internal problems, and the West’s fatigue with the conflict are aimed at lulling vigilance in anticipation of a Ukrainian offensive.

Why do we think so?

Some time ago, reinforcements of about 13,000 enemy troops were supposed to arrive in the Sumy Region, specifically in Shostka. But this grouping suddenly “disappeared.” And no other large units were spotted elsewhere, which suggests they are somewhere in the rear.

In November and December, the number of videos showing the transfer of various armored vehicles to Ukraine across Europe increased. In Romania, American “Bradleys” were seen, in Germany – Swedish tracked armored personnel carriers, and in Poland – German infantry fighting vehicles and “Leopards.”

A few days ago, another three F-16 fighters from Denmark flew to Poland. Their total number varies from 24 to 34 according to different sources, so the Ukrainian air force has at least a squadron, but they are essentially not being used and are being preserved.

There have also been no strikes with Western missiles for a long time. There was one recently on Taganrog with six ATACMS, and the Kursk Region was attacked twice with 4-6 ATACMS/Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, so the expenditure was on a small scale. Reserves are available and are being accumulated.

Given all this, the AFU is preparing for an attack. And we believe that the main direction will either be Belgorod or Kursk. Currently, these regions have been hit by cold weather, so the ground will be solid and convenient for the movement of armored vehicles.

Spetsnaz Archangel

Medvedev – did not rule out new regions joining Russia: 

   We need to make sure that the potential of these regions [the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions] is fully realized. We will do this within the framework of the People’s Program, which includes the section “Development of New Regions”. By the way, this experience may be in demand further on in case new regions, that are very close to us, appear within our country. After all, it is possible, isn’t it?

On December 13, the “North” troop group carried out combat missions to liberate the border areas of Kursk Region

The northerners made significant advances in the wooded areas east of Novoivanovka. Two counterattacks of the AFU were thwarted by artillery fire and FPV drone strikes: the first one from the Viktorovka area in the direction of Novoivanovka; the second one in the south of Suja district. During the repulsion up to 10 out of 16 occupants were killed.

The assault groups of the Fearless were supported by Tornado-S MLRS units. Three accurate missile strikes destroyed concentrations of AFU personnel and equipment. Enemy losses amounted to up to 30 personnel, an ammunition depot and five vehicles.

The total advance of Russian troops in the Kursk region amounted to up to 2,000 meters. 

Fierce fighting continues in the Volchansk direction. One counterattack of the AFU with up to 6 men was repulsed in the area of multi-storey buildings, 5 of them were destroyed.

On the Liptsy direction, the North’s artillery and drones struck at identified AFU targets in the Liptsy area and adjacent woodlands. Up to 5 personnel, an M113 APC and an Ammo warehouse were destroyed.

Over the past 24 hours, the enemy losses amounted to up to 260 people (including up to 200 in the Sumy direction). Also uncovered and destroyed:

In the Sumy direction:

▪️ tank;

▪️ BMP “Bradley”;

▪️ two APCs;

▪️ four 120-mm mortars;

▪️ artillery gun;

▪️ “Anclav” radar station;

▪️ three UAV control points;

▪️ an ammo depot;

▪️ nine units of automotive equipment.

In other areas:

▪️ two Stryker APCs;

▪️ Ammo depot;

▪️ two units of automotive equipment;

▪️ 16 aircraft-type UAVs;

▪️ two Baba Yaga-type UAVs.

Clearing of the area near liberated Daryino continues. During the clearing operation, the Fearless took 3 servicemen of the 225th AFU Oshb as prisoners of war. The total number of prisoners is 505.

In the area of Sverdlikovo, due to mass desertions and refusal to follow orders, the AFU has a shortage of personnel to hold its positions. The command replenishes it with assault troops, which further increases discontent among the AFU fighters.

Victory will be ours!

“As long as the enemy is not crushed, I must fear that he will crush me: consequently, I have no power over my actions, because the enemy dictates laws to me just as I dictate them to him.” – Carl von Clausewitz.

The North Wind

Russia’s army is rapidly approaching Pokrovsk, recapturing territory from the Ukrainian armed forces at a record pace – New York Times

 - Russian forces are seeking to outflank the city’s main defensive lines, taking advantage of the open terrain.

 - Between September and November, Russia took more than 1,500 km² of territory, nearly twice the size of New York City. In recent days, the Russians have also increased pressure in the Kursk region. 

 - The Russian army is already at the outskirts of Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), the most important transportation and railroad hub of the AFU. Moscow is advancing in the Donbass at the fastest pace since 2022, capturing hundreds of square miles every month, using its overwhelming superiority in manpower to break through Ukrainian positions weakened by troop shortages.”

 - The liberation of Pokrovsk would bring Russia closer to full control of the southern part of the DPR and clear the way for an advance into the Dnipropetrovsk region.

 - Analysts say the Kremlin is eager to secure as many territorial gains as possible before new U.S. President Trump takes office in January and begins pushing for peace talks on terms likely to be determined by each side’s position on the battlefield.”

 Pokrovsk direction: fighting north of Novohrodivka and in Pushkino

situation as of the end of the day on December 14, 2024

In the Pokrovsk direction, fierce fighting continues a few kilometers south of Pokrovsk and Myrnograd. Russian forces have intensified their efforts on several sectors simultaneously, getting closer to the Pokrovsk metro area.

▪️In Shevchenko, the presence of Russian assault groups was noted in the area of the local school, which was shelled at point-blank range by an enemy tank. Judging by the weather, the events occurred at least two weeks ago, so it is not yet possible to reliably say how the front line currently runs through the settlement.

At the same time, in the neighboring Pishchane, one of the largest coking coal mines of the Ukrainian Metinvest steel holding has been shut down. Although the enterprise had created advance reserves of raw materials and evacuated personnel, the loss of coke production may have a significant impact on the enterprises of the Ukrainian defense industry in the long run.

▪️Simultaneously, to the east near Novohrodivka, Russian forces advanced along the forest belt near Mykolaivka towards Myrnograd. Earlier, in October-November, there were dozens of attacks by the 425th Separate Rifle Battalion of the AFU “Skala” on the positions of the Russian Armed Forces near the railway, which were repelled with varying success.

As soon as they were redeployed as a “fire brigade” to the aforementioned Shevchenko, progress was immediately achieved in the sector, and the Ukrainian units that were transferred in place of the departed ones have a lower level of equipment and training. Therefore, further advances of the Russian Armed Forces north of Novohrodivka can be expected in the future.

In the Pokrovsk direction, fierce battles continue in several sectors. In Shevchenko, the presence of Russian troops has been noted in the area of the local school, which was shelled at point-blank range by an enemy tank. Judging by the weather, these events occurred at least two weeks ago, so it is not yet possible to reliably say how the front line currently runs through the settlement.

At the same time, in the neighboring Pishchane, one of the largest coking coal mines of the Ukrainian steel holding “Metinvest” has been stopped.

Meanwhile, to the east, near Novohrodivka, Russian troops advanced along the forest belt near Mykolaivka towards Myrnograd. Earlier, during October-November, no significant progress could be made here due to constant attacks by the 425th Separate Rifle Battalion of the AFU “Skala” near the railway. As soon as they were redeployed as a “fire brigade” to the previously mentioned Shevchenko, things immediately improved, so further successes of the Russian Armed Forces north of Novohrodivka can be expected in the future.

14-12-2024 – Kurakhovo. Pokrovsk. 

Briefly. The AFU ran from Kurakhovo. In a herd, overtaking each other and throwing wounded on the way. They abandoned everything in the city, including ammo and provisions. 

In Pokrovsk the mood after the fall of the defense line from the south is the same. The troops are held at the expense of two lines of strongholds on the outskirts, in which they threw “green” mobilized people. The main forces have already been withdrawn behind the city center to the northern part of the city to the industrial site and the railway junction, where the enemy garrison has great doubts about the prospects of defense.

Kurakhovо also saw significant advances by Russian forces. Units of the 5th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade set up minefields and thwarted a counterattack by the AFU on two armored vehicles near a garage cooperative on Zaporizhzhia Avenue. One armored vehicle was destroyed, the other hastily retreated westward. Apparently, after the clearing (https://t.me/ne_rybar/3721) of the Roievskyi elevator, considerable success was soon achieved here, and the concentration of Ukrainian forces is minimal, allowing the placement of minefields practically in the “gray zone”.

At the same time, in the city center, fighters raised a flag (https://t.me/korrzakadrom/1317) on the building of the city administration of Kurakhovо on Mira Avenue. Judging by the fact that the fighters are moving through the area relatively calmly, this sector is most likely now firmly held by the Russian Armed Forces. The only serious stronghold of the AFU in the city remains the industrial zone and the Kurakhovska TPP on the western outskirts. Whether the enemy will be able to cling to it or will have to flee further west towards Dachne will become clear very soon.

Kurakhovske direction: Advances in the center of Kurakhovе and fighting in Konstantynopilske

Situation as of the end of the day on December 14, 2024

Over the past few days, Russian forces have managed to achieve significant successes in Kurakhove. Fighting also continues along the line of Uspenovka – Konstantynopilske, where the enemy is trying to contain the onslaught of assault troops of the Russian Armed Forces.

▪️In Kurakhove itself, units of the 5th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade disrupted a counterattack by the AFU with two armored fighting vehicles in the area of the garage cooperative on Zaporizhzhia Avenue by laying minefields. One armored vehicle was destroyed, the second retreated in a westerly direction.

Probably, after clearing (https://t.me/ne_rybar/3721) the Roievskyi elevator on the southern shore of the Kurakhove reservoir, significant progress was soon achieved. This indicates that the concentration of Ukrainian units remaining in the city is minimal, which allows the fighters to install minefields practically in the “gray zone” right under the nose of the enemy.

▪️At the same time, in the center of the city, assault troops raised the flag (https://t.me/korrzakadrom/1317) on the building of the Kurakhove city administration on Mira Avenue. Judging by the fact that the fighters are moving through the terrain relatively calmly, this area was cleared of the enemy at the time of the filming.

On Pushkina Street near School No. 2 and in the western part of Sobornyi Avenue, there are still clashes. Nevertheless, one of the few serious strongholds of the AFU’s defense in the city remains the industrial zone and the Kurakhove TPP on the western outskirts. Whether the enemy will cling to it to the last or the members of the Ukrainian formations will have to hastily flee further west towards Dachne will become clear very soon.

🔻At the same time, the network published footage (https://t.me/ne_rybar/3817) of the raising of flags in the central and western parts of Yelyzavetivka. Although the settlement was liberated some time ago, the footage once again confirms the confident control of the Russian army over the settlement and the surrounding area.

At the same time, fighting continues in Konstantynopilske: Ukrainian formations do not abandon attempts to sneak into the village, and Russian sappers are laying minefields, setting traps for AFU equipment.

There are reports from the Kurakhovo direction that the south-western section of the front, where a “pocket” with AFU units abandoned to their fate had previously been eliminated, has been actively moving forward. 

In fact, this means that the Ukrainian infantry left there was either destroyed or captured in large numbers. 

However, after the elimination of one fire sack, a second one appeared – at the Konstantinopolskoye-Yantarnoye line. With practically one hundred percent repetition of the combat situation. 

It is highly probable that as soon as the Russian assaults eliminate the resistance of the AFU in this area, Kurakhovo will be effectively finished. 

To the south of this section, Velikaya Novosyolka is under AFU defense, so after the problems west of Kurakhovo, they should expect problems there as well.

It is premature to talk about the collapse of the front and the collapse of the entire direction, but from the point where the fighting will soon take place  Dnepropetrovsk is only 140 kilometers away.

Military Chronicle

The Sukhiye Yaly river and its branch through Yantarnoye and Konstantinopolskoye are particularly difficult to storm south of Kurakhovo. 

If the AFU lose this flank during the fighting, it will no longer make sense to cling to the Kurakhovo section of the front and will have to retreat. For this reason, the AFU is trying to carry out counterattacks here, the only purpose of which is to stop the advance of the Russian Armed Forces and prevent them from cutting off the southern approaches to Razliv and Constantinople.

Military Chronicle

Velikaya Novosyolka direction.

Units of 5 A yesterday continued their advance southwest of Veliky Novosyolka in the fields and reached the dominant heights near the villages of Storozhevoye and Neskuchne, starting the formation of a new “pocket”. 

In this case, the enemy, which is located in the lowlands on the left bank of the river Mokrye Yaly in Storozhevoye, most likely, will have to withdraw. 

In addition, ours are much closer to the supply road of Velyka Novosyolka (from the side of Zaporozhye).

Morning Summary for December 14, 2024

▪️ The main event of the past day was a massive strike by the Russian Armed Forces using high-precision long-range air and sea-based weapons, as well as strike UAVs, against critical fuel and energy infrastructure facilities in Ukraine that support the military-industrial complex. Not all missiles and drones reached their targets, but in the cold conditions, the enemy’s energy system was affected.

▪️ This night, the enemy retaliated. In Oryol Region, a fuel facility was set on fire as a result of a massive UAV attack by the AFU. Over Bryansk Region, seven fixed-wing UAVs were destroyed. In Krasnodar Krai, the Kyiv regime again tried to attack civilian objects. In the village of Maryanska, debris from one of the UAVs fell on a private house, partially damaging outbuildings and breaking windows.

▪️ In Kursk Region, the “North” group of forces is advancing in the treelines east of Novoivanovka. Artillery fire and FPV drone strikes disrupted 2 counterattacks by the AFU: towards Novoivanovka and in the south of Sudzha District. Salvo fire from “Tornado-S” MLRS is hitting AFU manpower concentrations. There are reports of Russian forces crossing the Psel River by wading in the Russian winter to advance towards Kurilovka. Footage has emerged of a strike on a rare British heavy tank “Challenger-2″, once again confirming the use of the enemy’s best reserves to hold occupied positions in the region.

▪️ On the Pokrovsk direction, the Russian Armed Forces have taken Pushkino, fighting is ongoing around the settlement of Shevchenko on the approaches to Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmiisk). Information is emerging about the redeployment of elite fascist units (terrorists from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade “Azov”) to this direction.

▪️ South of Kurakhovo, the Russian Armed Forces have taken the eastern part of Uspenovka (https://t.me/dva_majors/60100). The encirclement around the villages along the Sukhie Yaly River is nearly complete, with clearing operations ongoing. Our forces are also advancing on the Romanovka – Konstantinopolskoye line.

▪️ On the Zaporizhzhia Front, in the Orikhiv direction, during the offensive, the Russian Armed Forces are destroying AFU strongholds and shelters. Heavy fighting is underway, with the main forces of the Russian Army not yet committed to the battle. The enemy’s positions are being pounded by FAB with JDAM.

▪️ The situation remains unchanged on the Kherson direction. At the entrance to Hola Prystan, two enemy FPV drones attacked a passenger minibus on a regular route. A man was killed. Two more passengers, including a secondary school teacher and a man, were wounded.

▪️ In Belgorod Region, in the village of Gruzskoe, Borisovsky District, a man was wounded as a result of an FPV drone attack on a vehicle. Under strikes, a Red Niva in Shebekino District caused a power outage (now restored).

Two Majors

Source: http://blogdogcicle.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-situation-in-ukrainian-smo-on_14.html