Ukraine downs 58 of Russian 132 drones launched overnight

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 58 of the 132 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on its Telegram channel on Dec. 14.

The attack targeted 11 oblasts, primarily in southern and central Ukraine, including Chernihiv, Sumy, Kyiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kirovohrad. Defensive operations were conducted across all these regions.

According to the report, air defense systems neutralized 72 drones before they reached their targets, while two drones reportedly returned to Russia. The assault follows a massive aerial offensive on Dec. 13, which primarily targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

During the Dec. 13 strike, Moscow launched approximately 290 missiles and drones across multiple regions. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that at least 93 missiles were fired, including some reportedly supplied by North Korea. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 81 missiles, with 11 downed by F-16 fighter jets.

In addition to the missiles, Russian forces deployed nearly 200 drones during the attack on Dec. 13, which Zelensky described as "one of the largest assaults on our energy grid."

Russia`s use of chemical weapon: over 2,000 Ukrainian military personnel hospitalized for chemical poisoning since start of full-scale war

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, over 2,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been hospitalized due to chemical poisoning, with three fatalities, Colonel Artem Vlasiuk reported during a Dec. 13 press briefing. Vlasiuk, who serves with the Support Forces’ Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Command, shared details of the ongoing chemical warfare during the briefing in Kyiv.

According to Vlasiuk, Ukrainian forces have documented 4,800 incidents involving the use of chemical weapons, including tear gas and chemical agents typically designated for riot control. These attacks are often masked by "intense artillery, rocket, and bomb attacks," making it challenging to collect samples, investigate incidents, and hold Russia accountable.

In an October interview with the Kyiv Independent, Vlasiuk noted that the lack of specialized equipment has hindered Ukraine’s ability to detect new or hybrid chemical agents and to develop effective protective measures for its personnel. "Since the invasion began, over 2,000 servicemen exhibiting symptoms of chemical poisoning have been treated in military and civilian facilities for varying levels of exposure to known or unidentified substances," he said. Sadly, three servicemen have died due to chemical exposure.

Vlasiuk added that the use of K-51 tear gas grenades by Russian forces has recently decreased due to colder temperatures, which reduce their effectiveness. He emphasized that such weapons are banned under international law. "Ukraine, as a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, and its Armed Forces, which safeguard its independence and sovereignty, fully comply with international law and the requirements of the Convention," he stated.

His remarks follow a report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a United Nations watchdog, which confirmed on Nov. 18 that riot control agents have been used on the battlefield in Ukraine. The OPCW documented instances where Russian drones deployed gas grenades into Ukrainian dugouts and trenches, forcing soldiers into open fields where they became vulnerable to drone strikes and artillery fire.

Ukrainian intelligence expects North Korean troops to take part in assaults very soon

Ukrainian intelligence has reported that Russia is preparing to involve North Korean (DPRK) military personnel in direct assault operations, according to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials noted that North Korean troops stationed in Russia have recently received additional food supplies. On Dec. 13, these units were reportedly put on high alert and instructed to await further orders.

Ukrainian intelligence stated that the North Korean military command in Russia had been instructed to coordinate with Russian forces engaged in combat operations in Kursk Oblast. They also reported that some DPRK troops were being discreetly transported to the front lines in civilian lorries disguised as water delivery vehicles.