Russo-Ukrainian war, day 650: Ukraine downs Russian Su-24M attack jet, hits military sites in occupied Crimea

Exclusive

What’s at stake if Ukraine loses? Global security may spiral if Ukraine falls, with dictators embracing nukes while Americans question wasted aid and credibility.

Integration of Ukraine into NATO, WWIII-Free: Strategic guide by Kurt Volker. NATO should start talks in the NATO-Ukraine Council without delay regarding Ukraine's swift accession to the alliance, including an Article 5 defense plan, US diplomat says.

Ukraine military aid stranded by Polish border blockade. A brigade of military boats bound for Ukraine's counteroffensive sits stranded at Poland's border, which has blocked transport along with Hungary and Slovakia. Only Romania's border with Ukraine remains open currently, severely limiting military and humanitarian aid.

Military

General Staff: Ukrainian forces destroy Russian Su-24M ground attack aircraft. Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Su-24M attack aircraft near Zmiinyi Island as it was attempting to bomb the southern district of Odesa Oblast. Frontline report: Fresh details emerge on Ukrainian counterattack near Avdiivka chemical plant. Detailed insights into a recent Ukrainian counterattack near the Avdiivka Coke-Chemical Plant unveil strategic elements such as artillery strikes, infantry vehicles, and kamikaze drones. These tactics successfully thwarted Russian forces in the immediate vicinity. Ukrainska Pravda: SBU drones strike Russian military sites in occupied Crimea. SBU drones reportedly struck several radar systems, a helicopter parking area, and the Baikal-1M control system of anti-aircraft units. Russian forces make incremental gains in Marinka, as Ukraine controls parts of the town. UK intelligence update reveals Russian forces' creeping advances in Marinka, Donetsk Oblast, with Ukraine maintaining control of parts despite significant destruction. As of 05 Dec 2023, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• • • Personnel: 333840 (+1030)
    • Tanks: 5587 (+7)
    • APV: 10416 (+15)
    • Artillery systems: 7987 (+26)
    • MLRS: 913
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 605 (+3)
    • Aircraft: 323
    • Helicopters: 324
    • UAV: 6032 (+15)
    • Cruise missiles : 1570 (+1)
    • Warships/boats: 22
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 10483 (+32)

Intelligence and technology

PM Shmyhal: Ukraine, Rheinmetall to launch joint armored vehicle production. Ukraine is set to enhance its defense industry by producing armored vehicles in partnership with German defense concern Rheinmetall on Ukrainian territory Finland plans to boost artillery shell production for Ukraine. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen says Finland plans a substantial increase in artillery ammunition production for Ukraine, with the production price tag at tens of millions of euros.

International

Netherlands announces €8 million aid in stabilizing Ukraine’s liberated territories. Ukraine's effort to re-establish safety and public services in liberated regions receives a major boost from Dutch funding. UK won’t reduce military aid for Ukraine in 2024, British foreign secretary says. British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, reiterates unwavering support for Ukraine, pledging sustained military aid. Next year's funding likely to surpass current levels amid US funding concerns. Baltic ambassadors call on Poland to resolve Ukraine border blockade. "We are raising this issue with Poland and hope that a solution will be found soon in cooperation between Poland, Ukraine, and the European Commission," Estonian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Brita Kikas, said.

Humanitarian and social impact

Russia’s morning fire attack on Kherson kills two, injures four civilians, including two doctors. Russia's morning bombardment of central Kherson City killed two, and injured four other civilians. Among the injured are two doctors as one of the shells hit a hospital. Ukraine downs 10/17 explosive drones Russia launched overnight. Russia launched Iranian-made explosive drones, targeting Ukrainian regions; air defense downed ten of 17 drones during the attack. Additionally, six missiles targeted two Ukrainian regions. Authorities report damage but no casualties.

Political and legal developments

Russia, Iran sign declaration to counter Western sanctions. "We have signed the declaration on ways and means of countering, mitigating, and compensating for the negative consequences of unilateral coercive measures," Russian Foreign Minister said. NBC: US Senate’s Immigration talks collapse, threatening to sink aid to Israel and Ukraine. The breakdown of US Senate immigration talks threatens President Biden's national security package, which includes aid to Israel and Ukraine.

New developments

Russia to release six Ukrainian children amid Qatar mediation. Qatar maintains its key role as a mediator, successfully securing the release of six more Ukrainian children and facilitating their reunion with their families in Ukraine. Read our earlier daily review here.