Victory Chronicles-DAY 671

Ukrainian troops engaged in combat with Russian-terrorist forces on December 25, repelling a total of 76 attacks. The Avdiivka and Lyman fronts were targeted heavily, with 32 and 24 attacks, respectively. 

Ukrainian forces also held back Russian troops near Novomykhailivka on the Maryinka front. The Russian terrorist forces used various methods such as missile attacks, air strikes, and multiple-launch rocket systems to target Ukrainian positions and civilian settlements. 

Ukrainian troops successfully repelled attacks near Synkivka on the Kupiansk front and Bohdanivka on the Bakhmut sector. The Lyman and Maryinka sectors also faced numerous attacks, but Ukrainian forces held their ground. 

The General Staff reported that enemy forces launched 12 unsuccessful attacks on the left bank of the Dnipro River and suffered significant losses. Ukrainian aviation, missile and artillery units struck multiple concentrations of Russian troops, weapons, and equipment.

According to Oleksandr Stupun, spokesman for the Joint Press Center of the Tavria Defense Forces, there is no immediate threat of Russian occupants encircling Avdiivka. Stupun stated that although there is always a potential threat of encirclement and breakthrough, Ukrainian forces hold the line and inflict significant losses on the enemy. The Russians are reported to be losing 300-400 people, along with military equipment, daily. Stupun mentioned that reserves are being pulled up, reformatting is taking place, and losses are being inflicted on the enemy.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine published a photo report with rehearsals of the assault and capture of the town. This is the final exercise of the INTERFLEX leadership course. The military has been preparing for it throughout the entire training period.

The UK has utilized six sites spanning 18,410 hectares thus far to instruct Ukrainians in various regions. This area encompasses nearly 45,500 football fields. Certain training grounds have been tailored to meet the Ukrainian military’s requirements. At the same time, one simulated environment has undergone a complete overhaul to deliver the most authentic training experience, resembling a deteriorated village. In crafting a Russian-style trench system, 15,000 tons of soil were excavated, with an additional 70 kilometers of wire utilized in a separate area.

The 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade published a video showing Ukrainian defenders eliminating Russian occupiers’ tanks.

Russian forces are reportedly decreasing aviation activity and their use of glide bombs in Ukraine after Ukrainian forces shot down three Russian Su-34s in southern Ukraine between December 21 and 22. 

Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson Colonel Yuriy Ihnat stated on December 24 that Russian forces decreased their use of glide bombs and air strikes in southern Ukraine. Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets stated on December 24 that Russian forces are limiting their use of manned aviation near occupied Crimea, particularly in the northwestern Black Sea region. ISW previously assessed that Russian forces may have recently intensified their use of glide bombs against Ukrainian forces on the west (right) bank of the Dnipro River in part because Ukrainian forces reportedly suppressed Russian long-range artillery in the area.

Continued decreased Russian glide bomb strikes in Kherson Oblast may present an opportunity for Ukrainian forces to operate more freely in near rear areas in west bank Kherson Oblast and establish a safer position on the east (left) bank from which to conduct future operations if the Ukrainian high command so chose. Russian forces reportedly use glide bomb strikes so that Russian aircraft can remain 50 to 70 kilometers behind the line of combat engagement, and the decreased Russian use of glide bombs suggests that Russian forces are concerned about Ukrainian air defense capabilities following recent losses.

Ukrainian Ground Forces Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Volodymyr Fityo stated on December 23 that Russian forces also reduced their use of aviation and increased their use of strike drones in the Kupyansk and Bakhmut directions. Ihnat also stated on December 24 that Ukrainian forces can deploy air defense systems in any direction, not only in those where Russian forces suffered aircraft loses.

Junior Sergeant Serhii Voitovych, 41, with call signs Doc and Medic, died on September 11, 2023, near the village of Robotyno, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. A group of Ukrainian defenders was leaving their position when an enemy mortar attack began, as a result of which the fighter was mortally wounded.

Serhii was born in Lutsk, Volyn Oblast. For 20 years, he lived in Novovolynsk in his native Oblast. He graduated from Torchyn Professional Lyceum. In civilian life, he worked as a construction worker and trucker. He loved to fish and spend his free time with his children and family.

When the full-scale Russian invasion began, the man worked abroad at a construction site. He immediately quit his job and returned home. Later, he joined the National Guard of Ukraine. He served in the 14th Operational Brigade “Chervona Kalyna” as a combat medic.

“Serhii and I lived 20 happy years… It hurts to realize that he left us. He was a patriot of his country and loved Ukraine so much that he went to war without hesitation. He was a man of his word who always knew how to support and give advice. He was like a father and friend to his fighters-in-arms. He told his son that he should love Ukraine and that he should grow up to be a true Cossack…” said the deceased’s wife, Tetiana. The National Guard was buried on the Alley of Glory at the cemetery in Novovolynsk. Serhii is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

*Serhii’s story on the Heroes Memorial – a platform for stories about the fallen defenders of Ukraine.

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