171 combat clashes occur on Russia-Ukraine frontline: Ukraine repels 42 attacks near Pokrovsk

The Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff stated this in its report as of 08:00 a.m.

“Yesterday, Russian forces launched two missile strikes on Ukrainian positions and populated areas, using two missiles, as well as 42 airstrikes, including dropping 55 guided bombs. Additionally, the Russians fired over 5,700 times, including 289 times from multiple launch rocket systems, and used nearly 2,400 ‘kamikaze’ drones," the statement says.

The General Staff added that yesterday the aviation, missile forces and artillery of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck ten Russian manpower and weapons concentrations, destroying one command post, one artillery system, and another important Russian target.

Frontline update

In the Kharkiv sector, two Russian attacks were recorded near Vovchansk and Starytsia.

In the Kupyansk sector, nine Russian attacks occurred. The Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled Russian attacks near Zapadne, Lozova, Kruhlyakivka, Bohuslavka, and Nova Kruhlyakivka.

In the Lyman sector, Russian forces, supported by aviation, launched 25 attacks, trying to advance near Kopanky, Cherneshchyna, Novoserhiivka, Platonivka, Zelenyi Hai, Druzheliubivka, Makiivka, Terny, Zarichne, and Torske.

In the Siversk sector, Russian troops made four unsuccessful attempts to push Ukrainian defenders out of positions near Bilohorivka and Hryhorivka.

In the Kramatorsk sector, four attacks took place near Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, Bila Hora, and Oleksandro-Shultyne.

In the Toretsk sector, Russian forces carried out 13 attacks near Diliivka and Toretsk.

In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 42 Russian attacks and advances towards Vozdvyzhenka, Myrolyubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Zelene, Dachenske, Novyi Trud, Pishchane, Pokrovsk, Novoolenivka, Vovkove, Shevchenko, and Novotroitske.

In the Kurakhove sector, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 23 attacks. Russia concentrated its main efforts near Petropavlivka, Slovianka, Andriivka, and Kurakhove.

In the Vremivka sector, Russian troops launched 24 attacks on Ukrainian positions near Yantarne, Vremivka, Kostiantynopil, Novyi Komar, and Kostiantynopilske.

In the Huliaipole sector, Russian forces did not conduct any active operations.

In the Orikhiv sector, Russian troops unsuccessfully attempted to push back Ukrainian defenders from their positions near Novoiandriivka.

In the Prydniprovskyi sector, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions three times but withdrew after suffering losses.

In the Kursk region, Ukrainian defenders repelled 20 attacks. Russia carried out 424 artillery strikes, including 30 from multiple launch rocket systems, and conducted 24 airstrikes, dropping 34 guided bombs.

On the border with Belarus, no signs of enemy offensive groups were detected.

On the border with the Chernihiv and Sumy regions, the Russian army is actively using artillery and aviation from Russia's territory in near Ukrainian settlements.

• On December 26, the occupying Russian army lost 1,650 soldiers in the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian defenders also destroyed 14 Russian tanks and 22 artillery systems.