186 frontline clashes in one day: Russian forces step up in Vremivka direction

This information comes from Ukraine's General Staff’s morning update on December 21.

Yesterday, Russian forces launched a missile strike targeting Ukrainian units and settlements. They also conducted 37 airstrikes, dropping 70 guided aerial bombs, and fired more than 5,000 shells at positions and settlements, including 137 from multiple launch rocket systems.

Russian airstrikes hit areas near Ivanivka, Yampolivka, Zakitne, Siversk, Zvanivka, Markove, Chasiv Yar, Kostiantynivka, Romanivka, Katerynivka, Udachne, Oleksandropil, Pokrovsk, Lysivka, Zvirove, Temyrivka, Sadove, Prydniprovske, and Antonivka.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Defense Forces’ missile troops and artillery hit ten areas where Russian troops and ammunition were concentrated.

Frontline update

Kharkiv direction: Russian forces carried out six assaults. Clashes occurred near Kozacha Lopan, Vysoka Yaruha, and Vovchansk.

Kupyansk direction: Four attacks were recorded. Ukrainian forces pushed back Russian assaults near Petropavlivka and Kruhlyakivka.

Lyman direction: Russian forces launched 20 attacks, attempting advances near Zelenyi Hai, Hrekivka, Nadiya, Terny, and Ivanivka.

Siversk direction: Russian aviation was active, with two attacks targeting Verkhnokamyanske and Bilohorivka.

Kramatorsk direction: Two assaults were carried out near Stupochy.

Toretsk direction: Six attacks took place in the areas of Toretsk and Druzhba.

Pokrovsk direction: Ukrainian defenders repelled 29 Russian offensives near Myrolyubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Zelenyi, Novy Trud, Dachenske, and Novovasylivka. Russian forces used aviation heavily.

Kurakhove direction: Fifteen attacks were stopped near Stari Terny, Kurakhivka, and Dachne.

Vremivka direction: Updated reports show Russian forces carried out 47 assaults on positions near Uspenivka, Yantarne, Kostiantynopolske, Novosilka, Blahodatne, Rozlyv, and Odradne.

Orikhiv direction: Ukrainian positions near Novoandriivka and Pyatykhatky were attacked seven times.

Kherson direction: Five Russian assaults were repelled, with no success for the attackers.

Ukrainian forces also continue to hold their ground against Russian units in the Kursk region. Over the past day, Russian troops attempted to push Ukrainian defenders 41 times.

On the border with Belarus, no signs of offensive Russian formations have been detected.

Along the Chernihiv and Sumy region borders, Russian artillery strikes from inside their territory targeted Ukrainian settlements, alongside reconnaissance efforts.

• Over the last 24 hours, the Ukrainian Defense Forces eliminated 1,820 Russian soldiers and destroyed multiple pieces of equipment, including 15 tanks and 32 artillery systems.