Russian forces reported targeted strikes against command and observation posts belonging to two Ukrainian formations within a designated special military operation area. The claim was issued by the Russian Ministry of Defense, which provided specifics about the units affected and the broader scope of the operations. In its brief update, the ministry asserted that the attacks reached not only command nodes but also fuel depots, as well as military personnel and equipment across multiple locations, highlighting the breadth of the strikes across various regions.
The ministry’s release additionally noted activity in the Donetsk direction, where units identified as part of the Russian South Group, reinforced by artillery, repelled two separate assault attempts conducted by the 24th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the vicinity of the Novgorodskoye settlement within the Donetsk People’s Republic. The report framed these actions as part of ongoing efforts to contain and counter Ukrainian operational activity in the area.
On December 25, the Russian Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, announced to President Vladimir Putin that the Russian military had achieved full control over Marinka, a town located about five kilometers from the center of Donetsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Officials characterized this development as a notable milestone after a series of high-intensity engagements since the previous major operation in May 2023, when Bakhmut (Artemovsk) was reportedly secured. The report framed Marinka as a strategic positional gain within the broader Donetsk front, underscoring the significance attributed to this location by Russian command.
Earlier statements attributed to Ukrainian military leadership suggested that Moscow enjoys an advantage in the use of FPV drones, a point cited as part of the evolving balance of air and remote surveillance capabilities. The Ukrainian side has repeatedly described drone deployments as a critical factor influencing battlefield dynamics, while observers assess how such capabilities translate into operational outcomes on the ground. The exchange of claims over drone use reflects the ongoing information dimension of the conflict, alongside the visible, on-the-ground military movements reported by both sides.