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Ukraine - Russia Invasion conflict
 
 
 
 

The units of the State Border Service were reinforced with new ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, Militarnyi reports. The DPSU said that the anti-aircraft guns are used to combat Russian barrage ammunition and other air targets. "The anti-aircraft guns will also be used to work on Russian DRGs, to destroy enemy personnel and equipment, including armored ones," the DPSU said.

On January 1, 2023, the Russian Southern Front Telegram channel released footage showing the apparent destruction of an M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This video could mark the first documented instance of a US-supplied HIMARS MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) being destroyed since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian authorities announced that during the night of December 28-29, 2023, they suffered significant strikes across their territory, including in Kyiv. These attacks were mainly conducted using Geran-2 drones (Shahed-136) and KH-101 air-launched cruise missiles, marking a significant escalation in the use of advanced military technology by Russia despite nearly two years of war.

According to a post published on the Russian social network VK, dated December 28, 2023, three Ukrainian combat vehicles were seen abandoned on the front, presumably following Russian strikes. These vehicles include a Bergepanzer 3 recovery vehicle and two Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks, which were discussed for their quality on Army Recognition precisely on December 28, 2023. This action provides a unique opportunity for Russia to capture this high-tech equipment and to study these vehicles, which are considered to be at the cutting edge of technology.

In a recent video report released by Ukrainian media on December 27, 2023, the Swedish STRV 122 (Stridsvagn 122) Main Battle Tank, an upgraded version of the German Leopard 2A5, has been highlighted for its exceptional combat performance against Russian forces. The report showcases the tank's remarkable accuracy, detailing its ability to hit targets at distances up to 3.8 kilometers with high precision on the first shot. Currently, the STRV 122 is deployed with Ukraine's 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade, playing a pivotal role in their ongoing military engagements.

According to a video released on September 27, 2023, by the 110th Ukrainian Brigade, Ukrainian soldiers achieved a significant feat by destroying a second Russian BMP-T Terminator Model 2017 Fire Support Combat Vehicle in the Avdiivka sector, Eastern Ukraine, using FPV (First Person View) drones. As seen in the footage, the BMP-T Terminator was hit consecutively by two loitering munitions equipped with 73 mm RPG rockets. The second drone proved to be the decisive strike, hitting the Terminator's engine compartment at the rear of the vehicle.

A Russian T-90M main battle tank has recently been neutralized in a drone strike. This event is intriguing for several reasons, particularly because of the nature of the armament used. A simple drone equipped with an RPG warhead was sufficient to neutralize the Russian tank, despite the presence of Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA). Subsequently, the crew abandoned the vehicle.

December 25, 2024 – Recent combat experiences shared by Ukrainian soldiers have highlighted the effectiveness of the Swedish SAAB RBS 70 MANPADS (man-portable air-defense missile system) in countering Russian drones on the battlefield. In a significant development on December 24, 2024, the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine successfully shot down a Russian reconnaissance UAV "Supercam" using the Swedish-made RBS 70 system.

On December 21, 2023, the Russian Ministry of Defense released a video on their VK social network showing that Russian forces deployed in Ukraine have increasingly been using the AT-13 Saxhorn-2, also known as the Metis-M or 9K115-2, as their primary anti-tank weapon against Ukrainian tanks and heavy armored vehicles. This advanced missile system, an upgrade of the original Metis, is specifically designed to counter modern armored vehicles with enhanced range and penetration capabilities.

According to several Russian sources on December 21, 2023, an unknown number of Pantsir-SM air defense missile systems are said to be operational in the combat zone in Ukraine. This vehicle is an improved iteration of the existing Pantsir-S1, featuring enhancements such as a new high-speed missile and an increased target detection and destruction range, which allows it to effectively engage smaller targets like drones.

As reported by Special Kherson Cat on December 21, 2023, the Russian Armed Forces have started utilizing remote-controlled kamikaze vehicles against Ukrainian strongholds, mimicking the WW2 German Goliath. The previously human-operated Russian kamikaze MT-LB, an armored personnel carrier, is now remotely operated and equipped with a VT-40 FPV (First Person View) drone. This drone was mounted on the front of the MT-LB, providing camera assistance for navigation and targeting.

Russia has reportedly initiated the production and deployment of its most advanced self-propelled howitzer known as 2S35 "Koalitsiya-SV" in Ukraine. This information, although not officially confirmed, comes from a reliable source within the Russian military, as reported by TASS on December 20, 2023.

In a rare close-quarters battle, a Ukrainian M2A2 ODS Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) encountered a Russian BMP infantry fighting vehicle, providing a striking example of the intensity of combat on the front. This engagement, captured by a Ukrainian drone, took place near the Stepove suburb of Avdiivka on December 13, 2023.

December 20, 2023 - In a significant escalation of military tactics in Ukraine, the Russian Air Force has reportedly utilized the Kh-47 Kinzhal, known in NATO as the AS-24 Killjoy, marking its first deployment since August 2023. According to the British Ministry of Defense Intelligence, at least one of these hypersonic ballistic missiles was launched into central Ukraine on December 14, 2023, targeting a military airfield.

On December 15, 2023, the Defense Forces of Ukraine successfully destroyed a Russian Murom-M video long-range intelligence surveillance system and two Aistyonok radar stations. The operation was conducted by a drone belonging to the Code 9.2 unit of the 92nd Assault Brigade. This information was reported by Ukrinform and later confirmed by the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine via Telegram.

As reported by Militarnyi, the National Guard of Ukraine has received 27 additional M113 armored personnel carriers from their buyer, a fundraiser called United24 who said that, like previous and future ones, this new batch of M113s will provide fire support to units in combat, evacuate the wounded, and deliver ammunition and rations to the front line.

As demonstrated by the deployment of the upgraded Bohdana 2.0, a 155mm self-propelled howitzer equipped with a redesigned cabin of Varta APC, by the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade, Ukraine's recent advancements in military capabilities, particularly in artillery, are evident. This is part of Ukraine’s initiative to update and strengthen its artillery in response to the decrease in the delivery of artillery systems to Ukraine from European allies and the United States.

On December 17, 2023, Oleg Syniehubov, Head of the Ukrainian Kharkiv Regional State Administration, reported that the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) recently received two modified Dozor-B armored personnel carriers. These vehicles have been adapted specifically for GUR's specific needs, focusing on enhancements for operations against Russian troops.

Nearly two years have passed since Russia initiated its full-scale conflict with Ukraine. The consequences of this conflict have reverberated throughout various sectors, including ecology, energy, finance, food, geopolitics, and humanitarian concerns. In this report, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) provides an analysis of the broader impact of the Ukrainian war.

Kyiv, Ukraine, December 18, 2023 - The Ukrainian Air Force announced on December 14, 2023, the successful interception of a Russian Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile. The missile, aimed at the city of Kyiv, was reportedly neutralized by an American-supplied Patriot missile system, a notable achievement given the Kinzhal's reputation as a nearly un-interceptable weapon due to its high-speed capabilities.

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