Ukraine repels 32 attacks by Russian troops in Avdiivka sector — General Staff

The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff reports on December 28.

The total Russian combat losses from February 24, 2022, to December 28, 2023, amounted to:

• personnel – about 356,670 (+920 per day) 
• tanks ‒ 5,940 (+27)
• armored fighting vehicles ‒ 11,015 (+42) 
• artillery systems – 8,391 (+15)
• MLRS – 935 (+1)
• air defense systems ‒ 617 (+1)
• aircraft – 329
• helicopters – 324
• UAV operational-tactical level – 6,503 (+32)
• cruise missiles ‒ 1,620 (+0)
• warships/boats ‒ 23 (+0)
• submarines – 1
• vehicles and tank trucks – 11,180 (+40)
• special equipment ‒ 1,247 (+7)

General Staff report: Ukrainian Armed Forces fought off most attacks in Avdiivka sector, 56 combat engagements took place in the frontline

Near the state Ukrainian border with Russia and Belarus, the operational situation has not changed.

In the northeastern border area, the Russian army maintains a military presence, conducts active sabotage activities to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened areas, and increases the density of minefields along the state border in the Belgorod region.

In the Kupyansk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 9 Russian attacks near Synkivka and east of Ivanivka in the Kharkiv region.

In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian Defense Forces defeated 3 Russian attacks in the area of Serebryanske forestry in Luhansk region. Invading Russian forces unsuccessfully tried to break through Ukrainian troops' defenses.

In the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian troops repelled two Russian attacks near Bohdanivka, Donetsk region.

In the Avdiivka direction, Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back the Russian forces, trying to encircle Avdiivka. Ukrainian soldiers are steadfastly holding the line, inflicting significant losses on the invaders. Thus, over the past day, Ukrainian Defense Forces beat back 15 attacks east of Novobakhmutivka and Avdiivka and 17 attacks near Sievierne, Pervomaiske and Nevelske in Donetsk region.

In the Marinka direction, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the Russian forces in the areas of Marinka and Novomykhailivka in the Donetsk region. The Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled three attacks.

In the Shakhtarsk direction, the invading Russian army did not conduct any offensive (assault) actions.

In the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukrainian Defense Forces fought off 3 attacks west of Verbove and Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia region.

In the Kherson direction, Ukrainian troops continue to expand their foothold. Despite significant losses, the invading Russian army continues trying to drive Ukrainian troops out of their positions. Over the past day, the Russian forces made 13 unsuccessful assaults on the Ukrainian Defense Forces' positions, received a decent rebuff and retreated.

Russian army launches 1 missile, 77 air strikes on Ukrainian territory

Over the last day, 56 combat engagements took place. In total, the Russian troops launched 1 missile, 77 air strikes, fired 51 times from multiple launch rocket systems at Ukrainian troops' positions and populated areas.

Last night, Russian invaders attacked Ukraine once again using 5 Shahed-136/131 UAVs. Ukrainian defenders destroyed 4 attack drones. The Russian military also launched another air strike using 3 Shahed-136/131 UAVs. All drones were destroyed.

 Ivanivka, Kharkiv region; Serebryanske forestry, Luhansk region; 3 settlements in Donetsk region; 2 settlements in Zaporizhzhia region; 4 settlements in Kherson region were hit by air strikes.

About 130 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Mykolaiv regions came under artillery fire.

Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed 6 ammunition depots and 2 Russian artillery pieces

The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the Russian forces, depleting the aggressor along the entire front line.

Over the past day, Ukrainian aviation struck 10 areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment and 2 Russian anti-aircraft missile systems.

Missile troops destroyed 5 areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment, 2 command posts, 6 ammunition depots and 2 Russian artillery pieces.