The situation southwest of Pokrovsk is reminiscent of Ocheretyne.

The only thing holding together the situation south of Pokrovsk is Andriivka, and the only thing holding together the situation around Andriivka is Velyka Novosilka.

To safely storm Andriivka, Russia has two choices: cut the supply lines of Velyka Novosilka (red arrows), or storm the town directly (orange arrows)

To safely storm Pokrovsk, Russia has to do what I mentioned above, before choosing between cutting the supply lines into Andriivka (red arrows) or storming the town directly (orange arrows).

I personally believe that Russia will try to storm Velyka Novosilka and Andriivka directly, before bypassing Pokrovsk, cutting off its supply lines.

Of course - Russia has the ability to do all of these options, which further reflects the dire situation on the ground for Ukraine in Donetsk Oblast. The levelling of the frontline will allow for a united front against Pokrovsk, and the subsequent simplification of assault operations, and the eventual fall of the city.

This is why I believe Velyka Novosilka is the next key for Russia in taking Pokrovsk. The town of Shevchenko (south of Pokrovsk) which I have talked about previously is also important, but only in the sense that it puts Russia closer to Pokrovsk and allows them to threaten the city with direct storming or DRG operations, as it can be used as a forward troop concentration point and logistical hub. There are also a couple of heights in the area.

Geolocated footage and recent reports from reliable sources indicate that Russian forces continue to make substantial advances south and southwest of Pokrovsk.

Starting off with what is visually confirmed, Russian forces were able to advance into Novotroitske after seizing Novopustynka. Clashes occurred on the eastern outskirts of the village as the Russians attempted to gain a foothold. After establishing a foothold in the first houses, not much resistance was put up by the Ukrainians. The Russians were able to advance westwards, reaching a tributary of the Solona river and occupying the centre of the village. Ukraine still maintains a presence in the western houses, however.

Russian forces then moved south and occupied the livestock farm, and three treelines. Ukraine responded by firing multiple FPV drones, targeting Russian positions.

As for unconfirmed advances, Russian forces likely advanced across the tributary of the Solona river and broke through Ukrainian positions in the direction of Novoolenivka, and are now reportedly within firing range of the village. They also reportedly advanced westwards towards Novooleksandriivka, capturing part of a treeline and a grove. If true, this will put the remaining Ukrainian formations in and around Pushkine at significant risk of encirclement.

Meanwhile further north, Russian forces likely advanced in Shevchenko, entering the centre of the town. They also likely established a foothold on the northern bank of the Solonyi river (not to be confused with the Solona river), in the windbreaks on either side of the railway tracks.

A recent report by the Ukrainian source "Deepstate" suggests that Russian forces have likely crossed the international border and entered Sumy Oblast.

Following the recapturing of Plekhovo and the reported elimination of the Ukrainian bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Psel river, Russian forces have likely advanced from their positions near the international border into the forests in Sumy Oblast, taking up positions there.

Nothing else is currently known about this advance.

A local Ukrainian channel reported that the last shops are shutting down in Pokrovsk as the Russians close in on the city.

Ukrainian HIMARS struck an ammunition depot in Yenakiyevo, Donetsk Oblast. Russian channels reported about a missile danger in the area at around the same time.

Russian forces reportedly continued to advance in Kurakhove, occupying new positions in the city centre and the Pivdennyi micro-district.

In the city centre, it is reported that Russian forces have captured around half of the high-rise buildings, reaching School no. 2 and the city council building.

In the Pivdennyi micro-district, after reports of initial attacks a week and a half ago, Russian forces reportedly advanced into the eastern half of it, capturing 12 high-rise buildings.

During the first 10 days of December, Russia has decreased the number of Geran-2 drones launched at Ukraine. Between 488 and 520 drones were reportedly launched from December 1 to December 10, compared to 841 drones launched in the first 10 days of November.

This could indicate that Russia is conducting small-scale accumulations of Geran-2 drones which will be used in larger attacks on Ukraine in the future.

And no, this isn't due to a lack of production. I have previously talked about the increase in Russian launch points for Geran-2 drones and the increase in activity of Il-76s and other military transport aircraft which are likely primarily carrying Geran-2 drones.

Threat of Ballistic missiles from Belarus.

Very unusual.

Earlier today, a no-fly zone was announced for this area in southern Belarus due to military exercises. There was also a column of military equipment from the 38th Special Operations Brigade of Belarus spotted in Pinsk yesterday, likely connected to these exercises.

This is probably the reason for the air raid alerts, however I will continue to monitor the situation.

Israeli forces are continuing to advance in the Southern part of the Damascus governorate in Syria and have cut the Qunaitra-Damascus highway, reaching the western outskirts of Khan Alsheh.

They also captured the village of Heeneh.

All of this was done without facing any resistance.

I can't imagine how difficult clearing one of those massive Soviet-era apartment blocks is when Ukraine actually has the manpower to put up resistance.

That's called living in an information echo chamber. I'm glad you've finally acknowledged it.

Israeli forces have captured the village of Durbul in southern Syria.

Lebanese outlets report that an Israeli drone pursued Lebanese Civil Defense personnel as they attempted to recover the bodies of dead in the town of Shamaa, forcing them to retreat. The site they were working at was then targeted with artillery shelling.

Clarification: a local reportedly in Khan Alsheh said that the Israelis aren't outside the town. I have expanded the grey zone to include the open area to the west.

Iskander in the direction of Zaporizhzhia

Explosions

Threat of Ballistics from Crimea too