• Українською
  • Situation update of General Staff of UAF regarding russian invasion as of 6 p.m., December 21, 2023
    Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, posted 21 December 2023 20:02

    Day 666 of the russian full-scale military aggression against Ukraine continues.

    The enemy continues to ignore the laws and customs of war, uses terror tactics, launches strikes, and shells both military and civilian targets. With the improvement of weather conditions, the enemy has increased the intensity of the use of tactical aviation and FPV quadcopters. The adversary continues to conduct active assault operations with the support of armored vehicles. The enemy has increased the number of air strikes and artillery shelling.

    During the day of December 21, there were 86 combat engagements. The enemy launched 41 air strikes, 28 MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have wounded civilians. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged.

    The operational situation in the east and the south of 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. Around 20 settlements came under enemy artillery and mortar fire, including Karpovychi (Chernihiv oblast), Turya, Krasnopillya (Sumy oblast), Vesele, Hatyshche, Dvorichanske (Kharkiv oblast).

    Kupyansk axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 18 attacks in the vicinity of Synkivka (Kharkiv oblast) and Stelmakhivka (Luhansk oblast). In that area, the enemy used air support in attempts to break through the defenses of Ukrainian troops. The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 10 settlements, including Dvorichna, Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).

    Lyman axis: the Ukrainian soldiers repelled 3 enemy attacks in the vicinity of Terny (Donetsk oblast), where the enemy, with air support, made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The invaders launched air strikes near Nevske (Luhansk oblast) and Spirne (Donetsk oblast). The enemy fired artillery and mortars at more than 10 settlements, including Nevske, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Torske, Serebryanka, Verkhniokamyanske, Spirne (Donetsk oblast).

    Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 7 attacks of the adversary near Bohdanivka, Klishchiyivka, and Andriyivka (Donetsk oblast). Also, the adversary launched an air strike in the vicinity of Toretsk (Donetsk oblast). Around 10 settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiyivka, Andriyivka, Kurdyumivka (Donetsk oblast).

    Avdiyivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 20 enemy attacks east of Novokalynove, Novobakhmutivka, Avdiyivka, and 12 more attacks in the vicinity of Pervomaiske (Donetsk oblast). The occupiers, with air support, made failed attacks to breach Ukrainian defense in the area. The occupiers fired artillery and mortars at around 10 settlements, including Oleksandropil, Sukha Balka, Novobakhmutivka, Avdiyivka, Vodyane, Nevelske (Donetsk oblast).

    Maryinka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the vicinities of Maryinka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). In that area, the adversary, with air support, launched 11 unsuccessful attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiyivka, Maryinka, Novomykhailivka, Pobjeda were under artillery and mortar fire of the occupiers.

    Shakhtarske axis: the enemy did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. The adversary fired artillery and mortars at around 10 settlements, including Blahodatne, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva (Donetsk oblast).

    Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 5 adversary attacks west of Verbove (Zaporizhzhia oblast). In that area, the adversary made attempts to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions. Around 25 settlements, including Robotyne, Novodanylivka, Orikhiv, Novoandriyivka, Mali Shcherbaky, Pyatykhatky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under enemy artillery and mortar fire.

    Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: the adversary fired artillery at the city of Kherson and the settlement of Antonivka (Kherson oblast). Also, the invaders launched an air strike in the vicinity of Krynky (Kherson oblast).

    The enemy did not abandon its intention to drive our units from the left bank of the Dnipro, made 11 failed assaults. The attacks were repelled and the enemy retreated having suffered major losses. The Ukrainian troops are holding the line, continuing to retain their positions and firing for effect on the enemy. 

    During the day of December 21, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 14 concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, and 2 strikes on air defense systems of the adversary. 

    The Ukrainian missile troops hit 1 concentration of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 1 artillery system, and 2 ammunition depots of the russian invaders.

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