Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of December 20
Photo: Ukrainian troops continue to resist the enemy (Getty Images)
As of 4:00 p.m. on December 20, a total of 128 combat engagements have taken place along the front line since the start of the day. The highest number of clashes was recorded on the Pokrovsk axis, where the Ukrainian Armed Forces have already repelled almost all Russian attacks, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russian attacks
Today, communities in the following settlements came under enemy artillery fire:
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Volfyne, Ryzhivka, Kucherivka, Novovasylivka, Kozache, Iskryskivshchyna in the Sumy region;
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Kliusy, Mkh y, Buchky, Hremyach, Khrinivka, Yanzhulivka in the Chernihiv region.
Situation on the front lines
In the Northern-Slobozhanskyi and Kursk directions, five enemy attacks were recorded today. In addition, Russian forces carried out 59 shelling attacks on Ukrainian positions and populated areas, four of them using multiple launch rocket systems.
In the Southern-Slobozhanskyi direction, ten combat engagements took place. The enemy attacked near Vovchansk, Prylipka, and toward Izbytske and Hryhorivka.
In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian troops repelled five enemy attacks near Stepova Novoselivka and toward Nova Kruhliakivka and Pishchane. One engagement is still ongoing.
In the Lyman direction, Russian forces carried out five attacks on Ukrainian positions near Zarychne, Serednie, Kolodiazi, and toward Korovyn Yar. Three engagements are still underway.
In the Sloviansk direction, the enemy attacked seven times near Dronivka, Siversk, and Viimka. Four engagements are currently ongoing.
In the Kramatorsk direction, Russian troops launched two attacks near Vasiukivka and Stupochky.
In the Kostiantynivka direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 15 enemy attempts to break through near Oleksandro-Shultyne, Pleshchiivka, Yablunivka, Rusyn Yar, and toward Sofiivka.
In the Pokrovsk direction, Russian forces made 52 attempts to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions near Nykanorivka, Shakhove, Myrnohrad, Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Novoserhiivka, Dachne, and toward Novopavlivka. Ukraine’s Defense Forces are holding the line and have already repelled 50 of these attacks.
In the Oleksandrivka direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped 11 enemy assaults near Filiia, Piddubne, Sosnivka, Verbove, Vyshneve, and Zlahoda.
In the Huliaipole direction, Russian troops attempted to advance 11 times near Varvarivka, Zelene, and Huliaipole. Two engagements are still ongoing.
In the Orikhiv direction, Ukrainian forces repelled two enemy attacks near Shcherbaky. The settlement of Preobrazhenka was struck by guided aerial bombs.
In the Prydniprovskyi direction, the enemy made two unsuccessful attempts to approach Ukrainian positions near the Antonivskyi Bridge.
Russian losses
Russia continues to suffer heavy losses in its fight against Ukraine. Over the past day alone, from December 19 to 20, Russian forces lost another 1,090 troops. Ukrainian forces also destroyed 37 artillery systems, 130 vehicles, and 346 drones.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia’s total military losses have reached nearly 1.2 million personnel. This figure is expected to be surpassed in the coming days if Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin continues his aggression against Ukraine.
