Ukrainian forces repel 31 Russian attacks in Avdiivka sector - General Staff

This is stated in the evening report of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff for December 23.

Russian shelling of Ukraine

Russia launched 11 missile strikes, 14 airstrikes, and 21 attacks with multiple launch rocket systems at the Ukrainian troops' positions and populated areas. 

Unfortunately, Russian terrorist attacks have resulted in civilian casualties. Private houses and other civilian infrastructure have been destroyed and damaged.

Frontline situation

Over the last day, 57 combat engagements took place. The operational situation in eastern and southern Ukraine remains difficult.

Near the state Ukrainian border with Russia and Belarus, the situation hasn't changed significantly, and no enemy offensive groups have been detected. Certain units of the Belarusian Armed Forces are performing tasks in the areas bordering Ukraine.

At the same time, the Russian army continued shelling the entire borderline with mortars and artillery: over 20 settlements across the Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions were attacked.

Russian attacks in other Ukrainian regions

In the Kupyansk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 Russian attacks near the village of Sinkivka in the Kharkiv region, where Russian troops unsuccessfully tried to break through the Ukrainian defences. About 10 settlements came under artillery and mortar fire.

In the Lyman direction, the Russian army did not conduct any offensive (assault) actions. It conducted an air strike in the area of Serebryanske forestry in Luhansk region. Over 10 localities were attacked.

In the Bakhmut direction, the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled eight Russian attacks near Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka in the Donetsk region. About 10 settlements came under artillery and mortar fire.

In the Avdiivka direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 19 Russian attacks east of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka and another 12 attacks near Severne, Pervomaiske and Nevelske in the Donetsk region. About 10 localities came under Russian fire.

In the Marinka direction, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to hold back the Russian forces in the areas of Marinka and Novomykhailivka in the Donetsk region, where the enemy, supported by aviation, launched two unsuccessful attacks on the Ukrainian positions. About 5 settlements were subjected to enemy fire.

In the Shakhtarsk direction, Russian forces did not conduct any offensive (assault) actions. About 10 localities came under artillery and mortar fire.

In the Zaporizhzhia direction, the Ukrainian defence forces repelled all attacks in the area of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region, where the Russian army unsuccessfully tried to force Ukrainian units out of their positions. About 20 settlements came under artillery and mortar fire.

In the Kherson direction, the city of Kherson and Ochakiv in the Mykolaiv region came under enemy artillery fire.

Russian army does not abandon its intention to drive our units from their footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Thus, during the day, it launched 15 unsuccessful assault operations, received a decent rebuff and suffered significant losses. The Ukrainian units are steadfastly holding the line, continuing to hold their positions and inflicting fire on Russian enemy.

The Ukrainian strikes on Russian positions 

During the day, Ukrainian Defence Forces aviation struck 18 Russian military positions and 5 enemy anti-aircraft missile systems. The Air Defence Forces also destroyed 1 Kh-59 guided missile and 2 reconnaissance UAVs.

Missile troops hit 5 manpower concentration areas, 2 artillery pieces, 3 munitions depots, and a command post.

• Over the last day, 75 combat engagements took place at the front. The Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed 1,040 Russian troops and three fighter jets.