**Ukraine Reports 292 Combat Clashes on Eastern Front**
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a total of 292 combat clashes along the eastern front line on December 14. Russian forces continue to assault Ukrainian positions, focusing on Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.
**Russian Assaults Intensify**
According to the report, Russian forces conducted one missile strike, targeting Ukrainian unit positions and settlements with two missiles. They also carried out 61 aviation strikes, using 99 Controlled Aerial Bombs (KABs), and deployed more than 3,000 kamikaze drones across various regions.
**Ukrainian Response**
In response to the Russian assaults, the Defense Forces conducted 35 targeted strikes against Russian troop concentrations, armaments, and military equipment. These efforts resulted in the destruction of one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control point, three artillery systems, and two air defense systems.
**Ukraine Defends Positions**
Ukrainian forces successfully defended their positions and repelled numerous enemy attacks across multiple regions, including Kupiansk, Lyman, and Pokrovsk. In these areas, Ukrainian defenders thwarted 52 attacks. Other key locations, such as Toretsk, Kurakhiv, Kramatorsk, and Siversk, also saw significant resistance.
**Concerns About Kurakhiv**
Stanislav Buniatov, a platoon commander of the 24th Separate Assault Battalion Aidar, expressed concerns about the situation in Kurakhiv on his Telegram channel. He stated that the advantage in manpower and firepower is multiple, making it difficult to hold defense in dense construction.
**Russian Capture of City Council in Kurakhiv**
DeepState reported on its Telegram channel that, as of December 15, Russian forces had captured the city council in Kurakhiv and raised their flag.
**Global Support for Ukraine**
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), one of Germany’s leading political parties, has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine as part of its platform in the upcoming German parliament elections. The Defense Ministry also reported that Defense Minister Serhii Boiev held talks with representatives of foreign ministries to outline plans for military and financial assistance to Ukraine in 2025.
**Sanctions on Russia**
Washington is considering more sanctions on “shadow fleet” tankers, and the U.S. Treasury Secretary has not ruled out targeting Chinese banks if they are found to be involved in Russia’s war effort.