Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of December 19
Russian forces continue to pressure the Defense Forces in eastern Ukraine (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Since the early hours of December 19, 189 combat engagements have been recorded on the frontlines of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The fiercest assaults were observed in three directions within Ukraine's Donetsk region and Russia's Kursk region, according to the evening briefing from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Enemy shelling
Over the past day, the enemy carried out 51 airstrikes, dropping 80 guided aerial bombs (GABs), deploying 820 kamikaze drones, and launching more than 4,100 attacks on populated areas and Ukrainian military positions.
Frontline situation
In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces conducted airstrikes targeting the areas of Tsupivka, Mali Prokhody, Vesele, and Udy.
In the Kupiansk direction, the enemy launched ten assaults on Ukrainian defensive positions near Lozova, Zahryzove, and Kolisnykivka.
In the Lyman direction, Defense Forces repelled 17 enemy attacks near Tverdokhlibove, Zelenyi Hai, Terny, and in the Serebrianske Forestry area. Tverdokhlibove, Nadiia, Serhiivka, Hrekivka, and the Serebrianske Forestry also came under airstrikes.
In the Siversk direction, the enemy launched offensive operations near Bilohorivka, Hryhorivka, and Verkhnokamianske, with Ukrainian forces repelling nine attacks. Airstrikes targeted the areas of Serebrianka, Siversk, Riznykivka, and Fedorivka.
In the Kramatorsk direction, an attempt by the Russian army to advance near Chasiv Yar failed. Guided aerial bombs (GABs) struck Viroliubivka and Kramatorsk.
In the Toretsk direction, the Russian army conducted 12 assaults on Ukrainian defensive positions near Toretsk and Shcherbynivka. The Defense Forces are steadfastly holding their ground. GAB strikes were reported near Druzhba and Katerynivka.
In the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy has launched intense attacks against Ukrainian defenders, carrying out 32 offensive actions throughout the day.
The highest level of activity by Russian forces was observed near the settlements of Sukha Balka, Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Solone, Novyi Trud, Zelene, and Novovasylivka. Ukrainian defenders courageously held their positions, successfully repelling all enemy assaults.
Preliminary reports indicate that Ukrainian forces eliminated 199 enemy personnel and wounded 205 others today. Additionally, 11 vehicles were destroyed, with significant damage inflicted on a tank, a self-propelled artillery system (SPG), and a mortar.
In the Kurakhove direction, 18 combat engagements have been recorded today. Russian forces attempted advances near Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Andriivka, Kurakhove, and Dachne, with one ongoing clash.
In the Vremivka direction, the enemy launched 20 attacks throughout the day, targeting Uspenivka, Kostyantynopilske, Blahodatne, Neskuchne, and Novodarivka. Currently, three battles are underway. Airstrikes with guided aerial bombs (GABs) were reported near Novosilka, Novodarivka, Temyrivka, and Zelene Pole.
In the Orikhiv direction, Russian forces made one attempt to assault Ukrainian positions near Novodanylivka. Additionally, they conducted airstrikes in the areas of Stepnohirsk, Temyrivka, and Lobkove.
In the Prydniprovskyi direction, two enemy assaults were unsuccessful.
In the Kursk region, Ukrainian defenders repelled 48 enemy attacks, with 12 clashes still ongoing. Updated reports indicate that the enemy carried out six airstrikes on its territory, dropping seven guided aerial bombs.
No significant changes were observed in the situation across other directions.
Frontline situation
In the Kursk region, servicemen of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces repelled an assault by North Korean soldiers. Russia's allied troops suffered losses.
The Commander of the Ukrainian Navy announced plans for further attacks on gas extraction platforms in the Black Sea.
