Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of December 20
Illustrative photo: Defense inflicts heavy losses on Russian forces (Getty Images)
Ukraine’s Defence Forces repelled more than 200 attacks by Russian forces over the course of December 20, 2025. Russia employed aircraft, kamikaze drones, and multiple launch rocket systems, according to a report from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to the General Staff, 220 combat engagements have taken place since the start of the day. Ukrainian forces continue to resolutely repel attempts by Russian forces to advance deeper into the country.
Aviation and drones: Russian forces carried out 42 airstrikes, dropping 101 guided aerial bombs, and deployed 1,684 kamikaze drones. In addition, they conducted 2,467 shelling attacks on Ukrainian military positions and populated areas.
In the Northern Slobozhanskyi and Kursk directions: 9 attacks; 59 shelling incidents, including 4 using multiple launch rocket systems.
In the Southern Slobozhanskyi direction: 12 attacks in the areas of Sotnytskyi Kozachok, Vovchansk, Prylipka, and toward Izbytske and Hryhorivka. One engagement is ongoing.
In the Kupiansk direction: 6 offensive actions near Stepova Novoselivka and toward Nova Kruhliakivka and Pishchane.
In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian forces repelled 13 assault actions by Russian forces near Ridkodub, Novoiehorivka, Novovodiane, Zarichne, Serednie, Kolodiazi, and Korovyn Yar.
In the Sloviansk direction: 10 attacks near Dronivka, Siversk, Viimka, and Zakitne.
In the Kramatorsk direction: 3 attempts by Russian forces to advance near Vasiukivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, and Stupochky.
In the Kostiantynivka direction: 18 combat engagements, with assaults near Oleksandro-Shultyne, Pleshchiivka, Yablunivka, Rusyn Yar, and Sofiivka.
In the Pokrovsk direction: Since the beginning of the day, Russian forces have launched 60 attacks in the areas of Nykanorivka, Shakhove, Myrnohrad, Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Novoserhiivka, Dachne, and toward Novopavlivka.
Russian losses: 128 personnel were neutralized, including 107 killed. Ukrainian forces destroyed one tank, one armored combat vehicle, 10 vehicles, four satellite communication terminals, one electronic warfare system, three UAVs, and 13 personnel shelters.
In the Oleksandrivka direction, 18 attacks were repelled near Filiia, Zelenyi Hai, Piddubne, Sosnivka, Verbove, Stepove, Vyshneve, and Zlahoda. One engagement is ongoing.
In the Huliaipole direction: 13 offensive attempts near Varvarivka, Zelene, and Huliaipole.
In the Orikhiv direction, three attacks were repelled near Shcherbaky and toward Prymorske.
In the Prydniprovske direction, three unsuccessful attempts were recorded near Ukrainian positions by the Antonivskyi Bridge.
The intensity of the attacks indicates continuous efforts by Russian forces to breach Ukraine’s defenses across all directions. The systematic use of aviation, kamikaze drones, and MLRS demonstrates an escalation of offensive actions. Ukrainian forces are effectively holding their positions and inflicting significant losses, maintaining strategic stability in the combat zone.
Russian army losses
Russian forces continue to suffer heavy losses in Ukraine. Over the past day alone (December 19–20), they lost more than 1,090 personnel. Ukrainian forces also destroyed 37 artillery systems, 130 vehicles, and 346 drones.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, total Russian military losses have approached 1.2 million personnel. If the Kremlin continues its aggression, this figure is expected to rise further in the coming days.
Earlier, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian units continue to hold the northern part of Pokrovsk, where fighting remains ongoing.
