Russia is heavily attacking in Kursk Oblast for 3rd day

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on Dec. 17 that Russian forces have been conducting an intensive offensive in Kursk Oblast for three consecutive days, with Ukrainian forces on the defensive in the region. Syrskyi noted that Russia has deployed over 10,000 North Korean troops to assist in pushing Ukrainian forces out of the area since early August.

Despite heavy losses among North Korean mercenaries, with 50 killed and 47 injured in three days, Ukrainian forces are holding their ground, continuing to destroy personnel and equipment. However, Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk Oblast are facing challenges, as Russian forces have a significant advantage in manpower and equipment.

According to reports, Ukraine has likely lost half of the territory it initially captured in August and September. This shift is linked to the redeployment of elite units that had initially led the offensive. Some analysts speculate that Ukraine may aim to retain a portion of Russian-controlled territory as leverage in potential peace talks, especially with the anticipated influence of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Russian gas transit deal ends on December 31. Won't be renewed

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Dec. 16 that Ukraine will not renew its gas transit agreement with Russia after it expires on Jan. 1, 2025. Speaking after discussions with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Shmyhal said Ukraine is open to negotiating transit agreements for non-Russian gas if approached by the European Commission.

Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine's commitment to helping EU countries secure sufficient energy supplies, noting progress made over the past year. Meanwhile, Slovakia and other nations dependent on Russian gas through Ukraine are exploring solutions to avoid disruptions.

Fico highlighted the broader European implications of gas transit, advocating for continued supplies to mitigate rising costs. Slovakia, with a long-term contract with Gazprom, is seeking a two-to-three-year agreement for gas deliveries, as EU nations work to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

Ukrainian forces may be encircled near Velyka Novosilka  in Donetsk Oblast

The Russian army is intensifying efforts to sever the Vremivka ledge in Donetsk Oblast, aiming to encircle Ukrainian forces near Velyka Novosilka, according to DeepState.

The situation is particularly dire in the Makarivka-Blahodatne-Storozhove area. After capturing Blahodatne, Russian forces have reinforced positions and continued assaults between Storozhove and Makarivka, attempting to isolate the latter. Efforts are also underway to infiltrate Storozhove and secure positions there.

DeepState reported that Russia’s strategy involves encircling Velyka Novosilka, disrupting logistics, and eventually taking control of the village. Recent attacks on Novyi Komar partially succeeded, with Russian forces advancing into the settlement. Analysts view the fighting near Makarivka as the most critical development in the area.

Zelenskyy's team says peace negotiations are off the table as long as Russia has resources for war

Andrii Yermak, Head of the President's Office of Ukraine, stated at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities that Ukraine will not enter negotiations to end the war while Russia retains resources to sustain its aggression, Interfax-Ukraine reported via European Pravda.

Yermak underscored that Kyiv advocates for "peace through strength" and that Ukraine's Victory Plan is designed to achieve this objective. Negotiations for lasting peace, he added, would only be possible when Russia’s capacity to wage war is effectively diminished.