The Russian Armed Forces continue their special military operation in Ukraine. As of December 21, the situation along the front lines of the Special Military Operation (SMO) has evolved as follows:

Sumy Direction
Russian troops are expanding their control across several front-line sections.

Kharkiv Direction
Russian forces have advanced in the Starytsia area and secured new positions in the western part of Volchanski Khutory. Near Kupiansk, Russian units continue to eliminate small enemy groups attempting to infiltrate the city. Ukrainian forces have been bolstering their position on this section of the front with an increasing number of foreign mercenaries.

Seversk Direction
The Russian army has advanced on the heights north of Reznikovka. Intense fighting continues in the Dibrovski Forest area, along the line Dibbova — Ozernoye — Yampol.

Krasnolimansk Direction
Fighting is ongoing in the eastern part of Krasnyi Lyman. Further south, Russian forces have reached the road to Severodonetsk, at the turn towards Ozernoye. Clashes are also taking place around Stavki and the Drobyshevo forests.

Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) Direction
Russian forces are advancing towards Sergeevka, having liberated Svetloe. Additionally, the Russian army is engaging in counterattacks around Novopodgorodny, Grishino, and making progress inside the Dimitrov cauldron.

Huliaipole Direction
Heavy fighting continues in central Huliaipole. After crossing the Haichur River, Russian forces are pressing forward in several areas, targeting enemy defenses near Kosovtsevo, Ternovatoe, Bratsk, and Andreyevka.