Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery strike, Russia's losses among mobilized - Thursday brief
Collage by RBC-Ukraine
Ukrainian defenders struck at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Rostov region. Meanwhile, the Main Intelligence Directorate announced Russia's losses among the mobilized.
Read more about what happened on Thursday, December 19.
Ukraine's combined attack on refinery near Russia's Rostov: Details
On the night of December 19, a combined missile and drone strike was launched against the Novoshakhtinsk Oil Products Plant in the Rostov region of Russia. It was a joint operation of the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine, according to a Security Service of Ukraine source.
According to the source, the Security Service of Ukraine's drones first overwhelmed the Russian air defense system protecting the plant. By doing so, they created a window of opportunity for Ukrainian missiles, which the Security Service of Ukraine and the Navy jointly used in the next stage.
Ukraine's intelligence reveals loss count of mobilized Russian soldiers
Russia has lost over 98,000 mobilized people in the war against Ukraine. Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reports that the “Tsentr" (Center) troop grouping suffered the largest losses.
According to intelligence, between September 21, 2022, and October 31, 2024, Russia lost 98,641 mobilized soldiers. These are the Russian military's estimates.
Special Operations Forces repel assault by DPRK soldiers in Kursk region: Casualties reported
The Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine did not allow North Korean troops to advance in the Kursk region. 12 North Korean soldiers were eliminated.
As noted by the Special Operations Forces, the assault by North Korean soldiers on one of the positions of the Defense Forces in the Kursk region was repelled by soldiers from the 73rd Marine Center of the SOF of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Navy Commander announces new strikes on towers near Crimea
The operation against gas production platforms near Crimea will continue. Towers in the Black Sea are an important observation point for the occupiers,the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa states, in an interview with ArmyInform.
He noted that the attack on the towers was carefully prepared, and the operation will continue.
From 'craving movement' to Oreshnik threats: Putin on war progress in Ukraine
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was holding a large press conference yesterday, during which he answered questions about the war against Ukraine and possible peace negotiations.
RBC-Ukraine presents the key statements by Putin.
Denmark announces aid package to strengthen Ukraine's air defense and support F-16s
Denmark has allocated 2.1 billion Danish kroner (about 281 million euros) for an aid package for Ukraine. Its purpose is to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, according to the press service of the Danish Ministry of Defense.
As part of the package, Denmark also provides a financial contribution to the operation of Ukrainian F-16 fighters.
