MoD Russia

🎮 Unmanned aerial vehicles assumed the function of the main strike force. 💬 Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov:

The key task for the next year is to maintain and increase the pace of the offensive. We all know that political and diplomatic efforts are being made today to resolve the so-called 'Ukrainian conflict'. At the same time, we can clearly see that European leaders and the Kiev regime try to evade this issue. We are talking about prolonging the conflict with a view to the maximum weakening of our country. At the same time, the NATO-countries began intensive preparations for confrontation against Russia at the turn of 2030s. This policy creates real preconditions for the continuation of hostilities in the next year, in 2026. In this regard, it is necessary to continue to impose our will on the enemy, to act in a preemptive manner, and to constantly improve the tactics of the warfare. We must continue to get into the AFU defences destroying their groups of forces. During the special military operation, characteristics of military operations has changed significantly. This year, several such features can be distinguished. The first feature is the significant increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in reconnaissance and fire missions. It assumed the function of the main strike force. At the moment, up to half of the enemy losses are caused by FPV drones. In the last year the advantage of the tactical drones was on the side of the enemy, then in August of this year a breakthrough occurred. Today, we have achieved double-quantitative superiority over the enemy. At the same time, the range of actions using unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance, counter-battery warfare, the delivery of ammunition and materiel to the front line has been expanded. In this regard, the key issue is the formation of a new branch of troops - the Unmanned Systems Forces, which was discussed at the previous meeting. Here, we have achieved the following results. The Rubikon teams are in the vanguard. These units have eliminated more than 13,000 weapons and hardware, which is more than a quarter of the results of unmanned aerial vehicles' attacks. The Rubikon Centre has gained the international recognition. Its combat experience has been reflected in the publications of major international media including American and British ones. The Kiev regime has declared the Rubikon Centre a threat to the national security. Next year, the formation of the Unmanned Systems Forces is to be completed. We will move from the fulfilment of individual tasks by groups and teams to complex joint actions as parts of formations and military units. It is necessary to significantly expand the system of training troops in all the specialisations involved in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, to get tens of thousands of people to go through this training. The main effort is to attract young people under the age of 35 who are more susceptible to the latest technologies and speeds. To this end, we began to apply a new form of contract with good motivational terms. It will also be necessary to equip Unmanned Systems Forces with new types of jamming reconnaissance and attack unmanned aerial vehicles including those with artificial intelligence as well as ground-based command stations, repeaters, autonomous power sources, and communication means.

#MoDBoardMeeting 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

🚛 This year's deliveries of major weapons, military hardware and ammunition to troops were increased by a third. 💬 Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov:

Timely organised deliveries of weapons and military hardware play a crucial role in the successful fulfilment of combat tasks. This year's deliveries of major weapons, military hardware and ammunition to troops were increased by a third comparing with the results of 2024. As a result, despite the high-intensity military operations, the Joint Group of Forces' support not only did not decreased, but it even increased by six percentage points. It has been brought up to 92%. And for front-line units – up to 80%. The troop needs for aircraft and helicopters, artillery armament, rear equipment, and medical equipment have been virtually met. The previous shortage of artillery shells has been almost neutralised. At the same time, it is necessary to complete the replenishment of EWs next year, especially in tactical positions, anti-aircraft guided missiles, radar stations, and counter-battery warfare systems. The special military operation has given impetus to the development of new types of weapons and combat systems. This year, more than a thousand samples have been tested in combat conditions. The testing was conducted also with unmanned aerial vehicles of the new Geran-2 modified guidance system, loitering munitions, FPV fibre-optic drones, the Kuryer ground-based robotic system, the Omich-Ogonyok transport system, and many others. I would like to thank the Ministry of Industry and Trade, heads of defence industry enterprises, and the People's Defence Industry companies for their efforts to equip the troops.

#MoDBoardMeeting 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

🪖 A key element of our success on the battlefield is the steady recruitment of the Armed Forces. 💬 Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov:

In total, as a result of successful actions of the Joint Group of Forces this year, the combat potential of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been reduced by a third. First of all, they have lost more than 103 thousand different types of weapons and military hardware including about five and a half thousand Western-made ones. This is almost twice as high as in 2024. At the same time, Ukrainian security forces lost almost 500 thousand troops. As a result, the Kiev regime lost its ability to replenish its groups through the forced mobilisation of citizens. Secondly, capabilities of the Ukrainian defence industry in the serial production of military products have been reduced by almost a half. The effectiveness of targeted Russian strikes is around 60%, which is much higher than the effectiveness of Ukrainian strikes on the Russian territory. Thirdly, more than 70% of TPPs as well as more than 37% of hydroelectric power plants that support the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been disabled. The Ukraine's power generation capacity has more than halved. This has also had a direct impact on Ukraine's ability to resist. I thank the command and the military personnel of the Joint Group of Forces for their professional actions, courage, resilience, and heroism during combat missions. A key element of our success on the battlefield is the steady recruitment of the Armed Forces. This year's replenishment plan has been exceeded. Almost 410 thousand citizens volunteered for military service through the contract. Nearly two-thirds of them - young people under 40 years of age, more than a third - have higher or secondary special education. In addition, I would like to thank the command of military districts, the authorised representatives of the President of the Russian Federation and heads of regions for the diligent work they have done in supplying troops.

#MoDBoardMeeting 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

🫡 In the course of the year, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation confidently hold the strategic initiative. 💬 Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov:

The first priority area is to ensure the fulfilment of the goals of the special military operation established by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. In the course of the year, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation confidently hold the strategic initiative. Active offensive actions are being carried out in almost all directions. As Vladimir Putin noted, more than 300 settlements and more than 6,000 square kilometres of territory have been liberated during the year. It exceeds last year's figures by a third. Moreover, the pace of advance of the Vostok, Tsentr, and Zapad groups of forces has increased by 1.5-2 times since 2024. These numbers are qualitative results of our actions. Kursk region has been liberated, important defence facilities of Ukrainian troops have been neutralised in Donbass and Zaporozhye. What had been clear from the beginning was confirmed: the collapse of the AFU defence is inevitable. Finally, the Western supervisors of the Kiev regime clearly understand it. I will focus on the results of actions of the groups of forces. The Sever Group of Forces. Volchansk has been liberated. The creation of a buffer zone in Kharkov and Sumy regions continues. As a result, the threat of enemy invasion in Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk regions has been reduced. This made it possible to begin demining actions on these territories. More than 150,000 hectares have already been cleared, and about three million explosive objects have been neutralised. Rehabilitation of social and economic infrastructure in border areas has begun. The Zapad Group of Forces took over Kupyansk which the enemy is unsuccessfully trying to regain. The AFU supply routes were organised through the city. This will make it possible to expand the security belt in Kharkov region and reduce the threat of shelling by the enemy of the Lugansk People's Republic. Russian troops continue to neutralise an enemy encircled group on the left bank of the Oskol River east of Kupyansk. Russian servicemen continue actions to liberate Krasny Liman. Its liberation opens the way to block Slavyansk, the most important AFU logistics centre. The Yug Group of Forces took up powerful fortified areas of the enemy as Chasov Yar, Kurakhovo, and Seversk. At present, the fighting for Konstantinovka is underway. The city is the key to the last stronghold of the Kiev regime on Donbass, which is Druzhkovka-Kramatorsk-Slavyansk agglomeration. Capturing this border will make it possible to complete the liberation of the Donetsk People's Republic. The Tsentr Group of Forces has taken control over Krasnoarmeysk, which used to be a symbol of the resistance of both the AFU and Western supervisors. Russian soldiers continue to inflict fire damage on Ukrainian troops in Dimitrov, the last stronghold of the AFU in Krasnoarmeysk agglomeration. The enemy troops is reliably blocked. The liberation of Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov is going to be the biggest defeat of the enemy on Donbass lately. The Vostok Group of Forces is advancing at a rapid pace to the depth of enemy defences in Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions. Since 1 November, this year alone, the Group has taken control over more than 400 square kilometres of the territory and liberated 24 settlements. The liberation of Gulyai-Pole continues. This is an important fortified area of the AFU and a transport hub, the liberation of which will make it possible to create conditions for the liberation of Zaporozhye region. The Dnepr Group of Forces is advancing in Orekhov direction. The Group took hold over Malaya Tokmachka. Servicemen fight close to Orekhov. Taking control of this settlement will create favourable conditions for the offensive in Zaporozhye region. Moreover, the Group's troops reliably hold the Dnepr island area. Russian troops repel enemy attempts to land on the Tendra Spit and the Kinburn Spit.

#MoDBoardMeeting 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

⚡️ Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov reports at Expanded meeting of Defence Ministry Board 💬 Russian Defence Minister:

Last year, at a meeting of the Board, the Ministry of Defence identified 10 priority areas for further actions. All of them still stay relevant in the near future. Today, we are going to summarise the results of the implementation and confirm the tasks for 2026.

#MoDBoardMeeting 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

Vladimir Putin addressed an expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board In his opening remarks, the President pointed out that the past year was an important milestone in achieving the goals of the special military operation, with over 300 communities liberated.

The Russian Army has been holding the strategic initiative along the entire frontline. Our troops are advancing confidently and steadily, grinding down the hostile forces. <...> We are proud of the feats of our soldiers and officers who are fighting on the frontline, as well as everyone who defends Russia and the security of our citizens.

A moment of silence was observed to honour those who gave their lives for the Motherland.

🏳️ Captured Ukrainian serviceman tells how their command left them in lurch Like thousands of his comrades, captured AFU soldier Ivan Fedino was caught on the street by TRC officers and, after a short stay in a training unit, was sent to combat positions.

'There were FPV drones around us, we were under constant threat. Mortars hit our positions as well. The attacks were awful,' said the prisoner.

💬 Under constant fire attacks, a group of four decided to withdraw:

'We entered a building, found clothes, and changed ours. We got some mattresses and blankets into a cellar. We used it to warm us up. We hid there, in this cellar, until Russian soldiers arrived'.

➡️ Fedino and his comrades surrendered without any resistance.

'I don't have a very good attitude towards the Ukrainian command, because they literally left me in lurch,' said the prisoner.

🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

🚩 Servicemen of Vostok Group of Forces liberate Gerasimovka in Dnepropetrovsk region Assault detachments of the 29th Army's 36th Guards Motorised Rifle Brigade (Vostok Group of Forces) liberated Gerasimovka in Dnepropetrovsk region expanding the bridgehead on the west bank of the Gaichur River. 🪖 Advancing along the west bank of the river, soldiers from the Far Eastern mopped up several AFU strongholds and took control of an area of up to two kilometres on the front line and up to a kilometre deep. In the course of the battles, two armoured fighting vehicles, 12 Baba Yaga hexacopters, and manpower of the enemy were neutralised. ➡️ Taking control of Gerasimovka was an important stage for units of the Vostok Group of Forces. Russian troops took hold of the area on the west bank of the Gaichur River and created conditions for further development of the offensive into Dnepropetrovsk region. 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

🎖🎖 by Russian Defence Ministry on progress of special military operation as of 17 December 2025 Part 2 (👉 see Part 1) 🚩 The Vostok Group of Forces' units continued to advance into the depths of enemy defences and liberated Gerasimovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). 💥 Russian troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade, three assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one territorial defence brigade close to Andreyevka, Gavrilovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Ternovatoye, Gulyai-Pole, and Kosovtsevo (Zaporozhye region). ▪️ The AFU losses were up to 235 troops, two tanks, one armoured personnel carrier, three U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns including one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer. 💥 Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces launched attacks on formations of one mountain assault brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Razumovka, Novoyakovlevka (Zaporozhye region), and Nikolskoye (Kherson region). ▪️ In addition, up to 45 Ukrainian troops, 11 motor vehicles, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, two ammunition depots, and two materiel depots were neutralised. ✈️ Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation inflicted fire damage on an assembly and testing centre of uncrewed surface vehicles of the AFU, transport infrastructure facilities that supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine, assembly centres of long-range attack drones as well as temporary deployment areas of the AFU and foreign mercenaries in 143 areas. 🎯 Air defence systems shot down 180 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. 📊 In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost: ▫️ 669 aircraft, ▫️ 283 helicopters, ▫️ 103,542 unmanned aerial vehicles, ▫️ 640 anti-aircraft missile systems, ▫️ 26,574 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, ▫️ 1,633 MLRS combat vehicles, ▫️ 31,973 field artillery guns and mortars, ▫️ 49,280 support military vehicles. 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

🎖🎖 by Russian Defence Ministry on progress of special military operation as of 17 December 2025 🪖 The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. 💥 Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of one jaeger brigade of the AFU and one National Guard regiment near Pisarevka, Varachino, and Shostka (Sumy region). 🔥 In Kharkov direction, Russian troops hit units of two heavy mechanised brigades, two mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one territorial defence brigade close to Stary Saltov, Revolyutsionnoye, Veliky Burluk, Izbitskoye, Volchanskiye Khutora, and Varvarovka (Kharkov region). ▪️ The enemy losses were up to 160 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. 💥 Units of the Zapad Group of Forces delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of six mechanised brigades, and two assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Blagodatovka, Podoly, Kovsharovka, Novosergeyevka, Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, Monachinovka (Kharkov region), and Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic). ▪️ The enemy losses were up to 230 troops, three U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicles, 15 motor vehicles, three artillery guns including one 155-mm M777 howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M114 howitzer, one electronic reconnaissance station, and five ammunition depots. 📍 The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on formations of four mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, and two National Guard brigades close to Reznikovka, Stepanovka, Slavyansk, Petrovskoye, Konstantinovka, and Kramatorsk (Donetsk People's Republic). ▪️ The enemy losses were more than 200 troops, 18 motor vehicles, two artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations, and four ammunition and POL depots. 💥 The Tsentr Group of Forces' units continue to hit encircled enemy units in Vostochny district and Zapadny district of Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops mop up Rodinskoye, Svetloye, and Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic) from scattered groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 🔥 In addition, Russian troops hit manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one airmobile brigade, one jaeger brigade, one UAV regiment, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two marine brigades, the Azov Special Forces Brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and two National Guard brigades near Volnoye, Toretskoye, Belitskoye, Udachnoye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). ▪️ The enemy losses were more than 470 troops, two U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, and four field artillery guns including two Western-made ones. 👉 See Part 2 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

⚡️ Units of the Vostok Group of Forces continued to advance into the depth of enemy defences and liberated Gerasimovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

Northern Fleet's Su-24M aircraft pilots of Mixed Aviation Corps perform air-to-air refuelling Su-24M tactical bomber crews practised one of the most difficult elements of the training during the scheduled flight shift - air-to-air refuelling. ✈️ Su-24M bomber crews operating in assigned areas brought closer and made contact with a refuelling unit of an Il-78 tanker aircraft. The manoeuvres were performed in conditions of polar night taking into account difficult weather conditions of the Far North. The pilots successfully performed their tasks confirming a high level of professional training. ❗️ Air-to-air refuelling is one of the most complex elements of flight training requiring the highest accuracy and coordination of flight personnel. The training of this element increases the combat capabilities of aviation. These actions allow Su-24M tactical bombers to significantly expand the operating range, the time spent in the air, and, consequently, additional capabilities to be used in performing tasks. 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

💥 The Yug Group of Forces’ D-30 howitzer crew destroyed an enemy UAV command post in Konstantinovka direction. 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

📆 Top News Today ▫ As a result of resolute actions, units of the Zapad Group of Forces liberated Novoplatonovka in Kharkov region. The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Andrei Belousov, congratulated the command and personnel of the 12th Guards Tank Regiment n.a. P.P. Poluboyarov. ▫ Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on transport infrastructure used in the interests of the AFU, assembly workshop and storage site of attack unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 154 areas. ▫ The Russian Defence Ministry shows footage of the heavy flamethrower systems (TOS), a Grad MLRS, the Rubikon Centre's specialists, and UAV pilots in action. ▫ The serviceman of the Vostok Group of Forces told about the advance of assault detachments near Gulyaypole (Zaporozhye region). ▫ During the inspection of houses and basements of the liberated Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic), servicemen of the Tsentr Group of Forces detected a former UAV command post of Ukrainian neo-Nazis from the so-called elite Ptakhi Madyara unit. ▫ Tu-22m3 long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces performed scheduled flight over neutral water of Black Sea. #TopNews 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

#BreakingNews 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

💥 Unmanned systems units never miss a target 00:00 Sever Group's UAV teams eliminated one Baba Yaga hexacopter and one artillery system of the AFU in Sumy region. 00:05 Vostok Group's UAV operators hit enemy hexacopters and enemy control antennas in Gulyaypole. 00:13 Tsentr Group's FPV drone team of the 51st Guards Combined Arms Army eliminated an enemy stronghold in Krasnoarmeysk direction. 00:22 Kamikaze drones eliminated a hexacopter, a pickup truck, and a quadricycle with AFU servicemen. 00:38 UAV teams hit enemy strongholds, manpower, and electronic warfare stations close to Sadki in Sumy region. 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

⚔️ Yug Group's Grad MLRS crews destroyed an AFU temporary deployment area and an enemy UAV command post near Konstantinovka 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

🛠 Specialists of the electronic warfare company of the 3rd Motorised Rifle Division (20th Combined Arms Army, Zapad Group of Forces) tested the mobile electronic warfare system on the basis of the ground-based robotic platform Kurier. 📄 The tests involved different operating modes the station against FPV drones, determining the effective range of jamming and the capabilities of system in difficult conditions of modern warfare. They also checked the station's cruising range, speed of movement, chassis mobility, and operating time in autonomous mode without reloading. 💬 The senior operator of the electronic warfare station with the call sign 'Devyatnadtsaty' told more about the tests. 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

🎮 The Rubikon Centre's specialists hit the enemy's hardware, communication systems, firing positions, and UAVs in the special military operation zone 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry

Tu-22m3 long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces perform scheduled flight over neutral water of Black Sea ✈️ Su-35S and Su-27 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces escorted the bombers. ⏱️ The flight duration exceeded 5 hours. 📍 Crews of Long-Range Aviation regularly conduct flights over neutral waters of Arctic, Northern Atlantic, Pacific oceans, Black and Baltic seas. All flights of Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft are carried out in strict compliance with international rules on the use of airspace. 🔹 Russian Defence Ministry