**Russia Captures Ukrainian Settlements**
Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the area around the Uspenivka and Trudove settlements in Donetsk Oblast. This comes after “heavy defensive battles,” according to the Khortytsia group of forces.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced on December 20 that it had captured Uspenivka, a development analysts had long warned was likely due to the Russian advance threatening to encircle Ukrainian troops in the area.
**Ukrainian Forces Withdraw**
The Khortytsia group said that Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi decided to withdraw Defense Forces units from the area to avoid being encircled. The group stated that the units had been fighting against a superior force for a long time and carried out necessary maneuvers to continue performing tasks on the Kurakhove-Konstantynopolske axis.
**Russia Regroups**
According to DeepState, Russia is regrouping in the newly captured area and attacking in the direction of the Shevchenko-Andriivka section. This threatens to create a new pocket, with Russian forces now focusing their efforts on the nearby town of Andriivka.
The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.
**War Escalation**
Throughout the autumn, Russian forces have made operational gains in southern Donetsk Oblast, particularly near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, and Kupiansk. The situation is becoming increasingly dire for Ukraine as its resources grow thin, and the prospects of vitally important Western aid remain uncertain.
**Other Developments**
* A Russian Navy plane’s main power unit exploded on December 12.
* Russia attacked Kyiv with five ballistic missiles, which were reportedly shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.
* Viktor Orban blocked an EU extension agreement during a summit in Brussels.
* Several government services were targeted in a large-scale cyberattack.
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