Situation update of General Staff of UAF regarding russian invasion as of 6 p.m., December 17, 2023

During the day of December 17, there were 54 combat engagements. 

The enemy launched a total of 2 missile strikes, 25 air strikes and 25 MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Private residential buildings as well as other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged. 

The operational situation in eastern and southern Ukraine remains difficult.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. The enemy continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. More than 20 settlements came under enemy artillery and mortar fire, including Klyusy (Chernihiv oblast), Volfyne, Hrabovske, Zapsillya (Sumy oblast), Vovchansk, Vovchanski Khutory, Topoli (Kharkiv oblast).

Kupyansk axis: the occupiers, with air support, made unsuccessful attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Ukrainian defenders repelled 6 enemy attacks in the vicinity of Synkivka and east of Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 10 settlements, including Dvorichna, Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: Ukrainian defense forces repelled 8 attacks in the vicinity of Makiyivka (Luhansk oblast) and east of Terny (Donetsk oblast). The invaders launched an air strike in the area of Zvanivka (Donetsk oblast). The occupiers fired artillery and mortars at more than 10 settlements, including Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Torske, Serebryanka, Verkhniokamyanske, Spirne (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 5 attacks near Bohdanivka, Klishchiyivka and Andriyivka (Donetsk oblast). Around 10 settlements, including Bohdanivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Andriyivka (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire.

Avdiyivka axis: the enemy, with air support, made failed attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Ukrainian defenders repelled 15 attacks in the area of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiyivka, and 10 attacks south of Tonenke, Nevelske and Pervomaiske (Donetsk oblast). The adversary launched an air strike near Novobakhmutivka settlement (Donetsk oblast). The enemy fired artillery and mortars at more than 10 settlements, including Stepove, Lastochkyne, Avdiyivka, Pervomaiske (Donetsk oblast).

Maryinka axis: Ukrainian defense forces continue to hold back the enemy in the vicinity of Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). The enemy, with air support, launched 4 failed attacks on positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiyivka, Maryinka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast) were under artillery and mortar fire of the occupiers.

Shakhtarske axis: the adversary conducted no offensives. Around 10 settlements, including Urozhaine, Staromaiorske, Rivnopil (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire.

Zaporizhzhia axis: Ukrainian defense forces repelled 3 enemy attacks west of Verbove and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20 settlements, including Poltavka, Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Charivne, Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire.

Kherson axis: the enemy fired artillery at the settlements of Daryivka, Antonivka, Kizomys (Kherson oblast), the cities of Kherson and Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast). The adversary launched air strike in the vicinities of Krynky and Ol’hivka (Kherson oblast). 

Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold their ground on the left bank of the Dnipro River (Kherson oblast) and inflict fire on the enemy.

During the day of December 17, Ukrainian Air Force launched 1 strike on a concentration of troops, weapons and military equipment, 2 strikes on air defense systems of the russian invaders. Also, Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 7 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs.

Ukrainian missile troops hit 4 concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, 1 artillery system, and 1 ammunition depot of the occupiers. 

Support the Armed Forces of Ukraine! United we will be victorious! Glory to Ukraine!