The EU initiated contact with Syria’s new authorities, signaling a potential lifting of decade-long sanctions contingent upon the removal of Russian and Iranian influence. Preconditions for sanctions relief include a political transition ensuring minority representation, human rights respect, and rejection of terrorism. Specifically, the EU demands the closure of Russian military bases in Syria, citing concerns about their role in regional instability and European security. These demands were supported by multiple EU foreign ministers, reflecting a unified stance on the matter.
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General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, described 2024 as a year of intense fighting across ten operational sectors, marked by high-intensity battles in the east and a tense situation along the entire 1,130-kilometer front line. Appointed in February, Syrskyi noted significant Russian forces pushing against Ukrainian defenses, alongside relentless attacks targeting civilian infrastructure. This pressure, exemplified by the fall of Avdiivka shortly after his appointment, highlights the ongoing struggle against a determined adversary. The general’s assessment underscores the severity of the conflict despite the repelling of the initial 2022 invasion.
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In three days of fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reported eliminating 50 North Korean soldiers and wounding 47 more, supported by FPV drone footage. This follows earlier reports of North Korean troop deployments to the region by Russia, with Ukrainian sources claiming significant casualties during ground assaults. While the full extent of losses remains unclear due to reported Russian obfuscation, the Pentagon independently confirmed North Korean combat participation and casualties. These actions by the 8th Special Forces Regiment targeted not only personnel but also several pieces of military equipment.
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Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s chemical, biological, and radiological defense troops, was charged in absentia by Ukrainian prosecutors with using chemical weapons in Ukraine, a charge supported by evidence of over 4,800 incidents and numerous casualties. Russia’s tactic, involving FPV drones dispensing toxic substances, forces Ukrainian soldiers from cover, exposing them to further attacks. Independent laboratories confirmed the use of banned materials, violating international law, and several nations have imposed sanctions in response. The use of chemical weapons by Russian forces is escalating, according to investigations.
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Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, chief of Russia’s NBC protection forces, was killed in a Moscow bomb attack, a day after Ukraine’s security service (SBU) charged him with using banned chemical weapons. The SBU claimed responsibility, calling Kirillov a legitimate target for his alleged war crimes. This follows a pattern of targeted killings of prominent figures on both sides of the conflict, including several high-profile Russians. Kirillov, sanctioned internationally, frequently accused Ukraine of using toxic agents—allegations dismissed by Ukraine and its allies.
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A bomb concealed within an electric scooter detonated remotely, killing Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s NBC Defence Forces, and his assistant in Moscow. The Investigative Committee has launched a murder investigation. Ukraine’s SBU had previously charged Kirillov with war crimes related to the alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine—accusations Russia denies. The explosion caused significant damage to a residential building’s entrance.
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President Zelenskyy reported that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces, and preliminary data indicates Russia is attempting to hide the extent of resulting North Korean casualties. Ukrainian forces have documented the deaths of North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast, including an incident of friendly fire against Chechen troops. Intelligence suggests significant losses for North Korean units in mid-December, with estimates reaching at least 30 soldiers killed or wounded. The President emphasized the senselessness of North Korean deaths in this conflict.
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Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Russia is bolstering its military presence in Libya. At least three Russian military cargo planes have flown from Belarus to Libya since December 8th, carrying defense materials. This move is likely a response to the increasingly precarious situation in Syria, forcing Russia to fortify its Libyan bases which serve as a crucial staging point for its African influence. Experts suggest this shift reflects Russia’s need to protect its expanded Libyan presence, now that its Syrian foothold is jeopardized. The evacuation of Russian personnel and equipment from Syria is underway.
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In a recent Defense Ministry meeting, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov advocated for preparing for potential war with NATO within the next decade, citing NATO’s July summit decisions and doctrinal shifts as justification. This preparation includes the establishment of a new military branch dedicated to unmanned systems, slated for completion in 2025. President Putin echoed these concerns, accusing the West of escalating tensions through increased military presence and potential missile deployments, prompting Russia to threaten retaliatory measures. Belousov also claimed significantly higher Ukrainian casualties than reported by Kyiv and Western sources.
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On December 15th, Ukraine launched a second wave of ATACMS missile strikes deep into Russia, targeting critical infrastructure. These strikes, employing a combined arms approach with Palen drones to overwhelm air defenses, successfully hit an airbase in Taganrog, an ammunition depot in Markine, and a Bryansk train depot. The high-explosive ATACMS missiles caused significant damage, disrupting Russian logistics, air operations, and impacting their war effort. The combined effect of these attacks is anticipated to reduce Russian offensive capabilities and force a reallocation of resources.
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John Q. Hosedrinker