Russian troops evacuate from Syria amid base siege

military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on Dec. 10. The move signals a significant shift in the region as Moscow faces mounting challenges both abroad and domestically.

According to HUR, Russian troops stationed in Syria are voicing frustration over the chaotic nature of the withdrawal, which highlights disorganization within the command structure.

Military transport aircraft, including An-124 and Il-76 planes, have been steadily relocating personnel and equipment to Russian airfields in Ulyanovsk, Chkalovsky, and Privolzhsky. The evacuation effort is further supported by naval operations, with the bulk carrier Sparta II and the amphibious assault ship Alexander Shabalin en route to the port of Tartus. Additional vessels, such as the frigates Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko, provide support from the Mediterranean Sea.

In Tartus, emergency dismantling of military equipment is underway, secured by deploying hundreds of Russian special forces to ensure a safe retreat.

This evacuation follows the collapse of the Assad regime after a swift rebel offensive in late November that dismantled Russian-backed forces and left Moscow's troops in Syria isolated. The rebellion marks a pivotal shift in the region, significantly undermining Russia's influence and complicating its foreign policy strategy, particularly as it continues its war in Ukraine.

Russia's presence in Syria included substantial military infrastructure, notably the Khmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval base. These facilities represented a cornerstone of Moscow's influence in the Middle East. However, the rapid rebel advance and the loss of strategic positions have forced Russia to hasten its withdrawal.

Moscow officially began pulling out its forces on Dec. 8, according to Ukrainian military intelligence.

Pokrovsk is to be cut off from gas supply from 12 December due to Russian offensive

Amid the intensifying conflict in Donetsk Oblast, the city of Pokrovsk faces a critical disruption as natural gas supplies are set to be suspended. This decision reflects the escalating challenges posed by persistent military actions, which have severely undermined the region's infrastructure and the ability to maintain essential services.

Despite months of relentless efforts to sustain gas distribution under dire circumstances, the escalation of hostilities has rendered the situation untenable. Extensive damage to pipelines and the constant threat of renewed attacks have made repairs and continued operations impossible. The risks to both workers and residents have further compounded the already precarious conditions, leaving the city’s remaining inhabitants without this vital resource.

As the shutdown looms, citizens are urged to take precautionary measures, including disconnecting gas appliances and securing pipelines to mitigate potential hazards. This suspension underscores the growing humanitarian crisis in the region, where infrastructure is increasingly unable to withstand the ongoing assault, leaving civilians to grapple with the loss of basic utilities amidst a deteriorating conflict.

Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia killed 3 and injured 16, left a private clinic destroyed

Russian forces launched a deadly missile strike on the city of Zaporizhzhia on Dec. 10, killing three people and injuring 16, according to regional authorities. The attack, which Governor Ivan Fedorov attributed to ballistic missiles, struck amidst an air raid alert issued earlier in the afternoon. Explosions followed minutes after the alert was declared at 2:00 p.m.

The missile strike destroyed a private clinic and caused extensive damage to nearby buildings, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Rescue operations are underway, with emergency workers combing through the rubble in search of survivors.

Once home to approximately 710,000 residents before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zaporizhzhia has endured relentless bombardment, underscoring its vulnerability as a frequent target of Russian aggression.

In a separate assault, the town of Zlatopil in Kharkiv Oblast was struck by Russian missiles earlier in the day. The initial attack occurred near a bank at approximately 10:20 a.m., injuring at least 11 people and damaging non-residential buildings and vehicles in the vicinity. A second strike followed shortly after, intensifying the destruction, as confirmed by Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

These attacks highlight the continued targeting of civilian infrastructure and densely populated areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis across Ukraine.