Nightwatch logo
'Nightwatch' text with white and gray letters
Historical Intelligence

Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-02-12 21:08:54Z
7 months ago
Previous (2025-02-12 20:38:42Z)

Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine: February 12, 2025, 21:08 UTC

Changes Since 20:38 UTC (Highest Priority)

  1. REPORTED TRUMP-PUTIN MEETING IN SAUDI ARABIA (REPORTED, MULTIPLE SOURCES, HIGH PRIORITY):

    • RBC-Ukraine, CBS News, Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны, and Alex Parker Returns all report that Trump has stated his intention to meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia.
    • Assessment: This adds significant weight to the earlier report of a potential Trump administration visit to Russia. A planned meeting in a neutral location like Saudi Arabia suggests a deliberate attempt at high-level, direct negotiation outside of established diplomatic channels. The implications for Ukraine are enormous. This must be treated as a HIGH PRIORITY development, even though it remains unconfirmed by official channels.
  2. CLAIMED UKRAINIAN FORCES' "PREVENTATIVE SURRENDER" (REPORTED, RUSSIAN SOURCE, HIGH PRIORITY):

    • Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны, citing Euractiv, claims that European allies are surprised by statements from Washington that suggest a "preventative surrender" of Ukraine, even before peace talks with Russia begin. Specifically, they mention statements from the Pentagon head that Ukrainian NATO membership is "not realistic."
    • Assessment: This reinforces the earlier report of a potential shift in US policy, now with the added dimension of concern and potential dissent from European allies. The "preventative surrender" claim is likely a deliberate exaggeration from a Russian source designed to sow discord and undermine Western support for Ukraine. However, the underlying concern about a change in US stance is significant and must be taken seriously.
  3. WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT ON POTENTIAL TRUMP-PUTIN MEETING CONDITIONS (REPORTED, UKRAINIAN SOURCE, MEDIUM PRIORITY):

    • RBC-Ukraine: White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt is quoted that she has no information about any conditions set by Trump before a meeting with Putin, such as partial troop withdrawal from Ukraine.
  4. UKRAINIAN GENERAL STAFF SITREP (CONFIRMED, UKRAINIAN SOURCE, MEDIUM PRIORITY):

    • Генеральний штаб ЗСУ: As of 22:00, 112 clashes.

    • Pokrovsk and Kursk directions are the most intense.

    • Russia conducted two missile strikes and 74 airstrikes, using 7 missiles and 112 guided bombs. Also 1091 kamikaze drones and 4314 shellings.

    • Kup'yans'k direction: 8 Russian attacks.

    • Lyman direction: 9 Russian attacks.

    • Siversk direction: 4 Russian attacks repelled.

    • Kramatorsk direction: 7 Russian attacks repelled.

    • Toretsk direction: 11 Russian attacks, 7 repelled.

    • Pokrovsk direction: 30 Russian attacks. Claimed losses: 220 killed/wounded, destroyed equipment.

    • Novopavlivske direction: 15 Russian attacks repelled.

    • Huliaipole direction: 1 Russian attack repelled.

    • Orikhiv direction: 1 attack repelled.

    • Kursk direction: 13 Russian attacks repelled.

    • Assessment: This provides a detailed overview of the ground situation from the Ukrainian perspective. The high number of clashes (112) underscores the intensity of the fighting. The focus on the Pokrovsk and Kursk directions highlights the areas of greatest Russian pressure. The claimed Russian losses, while likely inflated, are indicative of ongoing heavy fighting.

  5. DRONE MOVEMENTS (CONFIRMED, UKRAINIAN/RUSSIAN SOURCES, HIGH PRIORITY):

    • Nikolaevskiy Vanyok: One drone approaching Odesa (reportedly engaged). Approximately 20 drones from the sea are heading towards Tatarbunary and the Izmail district.

    • Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:

      • Drones in Chernihiv Oblast heading south.
      • Drones in Sumy Oblast heading northwest.
      • Drones in Poltava and Kirovohrad Oblasts, heading north.
      • Drones in Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts, heading northwest.
      • Large group of drones heading towards southern Odesa Oblast.
      • Drones in Kharkiv Oblast, heading south.
    • Assessment: The drone threat remains EXTREMELY DYNAMIC. Odesa is confirmed to be currently "clear" after air defense engagement, but the primary threat remains concentrated on the Izmail district with a large number of UAVs approaching. The scattered drone activity across multiple other regions necessitates MAINTAINING HIGH ALERT NATIONWIDE.

  6. "GRAVEHAWK" AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM DISPLAYED (CONFIRMED):

    • RBC-Ukraine: Reports and shows photos of the new British "Gravehawk" air defense system designed for anti-drone, anti-missile, and anti-aircraft warfare.
    • Assessment: This reinforces military aid to Ukraine.
  7. UKRAINIAN SABOTEURS SENTENCED (REPORTED, RUSSIAN SOURCE, MEDIUM PRIORITY):

    • *ASTRA:* Reports two Ukrainian citizens, Oleksandr Maistruk and Eduard Usatenko, have been sentenced to 23 years in prison for sabotage of Russian energy infrastructure. They were accused of being part of a Ukrainian intelligence group and targeting power lines near nuclear power plants.
      
    • Assessment: This highlights the ongoing conflict extending beyond the front lines, with accusations of sabotage and espionage.
  8. CLAIMED RUSSIAN ARCHIVES RELEASED (REPORTED, RUSSIAN SOURCE, LOW PRIORITY):

    • TASS: Reports that the Russian Ministry of Defense has released archives related to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Budapest.
    • Assessment: This is likely a propaganda effort to highlight Russia's historical role as a "liberator."

Updated Situation Summary

  • POTENTIAL TRUMP-PUTIN MEETING (EXTREME PRIORITY): Multiple reports indicate a planned meeting in Saudi Arabia. This is a potentially game-changing development that requires the highest level of attention and verification.
  • CONCERNS ABOUT SHIFTING US POLICY (EXTREME PRIORITY): Reports, primarily from Russian sources but citing European concerns, suggest a potential shift in US policy towards pressuring Ukraine for concessions. This requires urgent clarification from US official sources.
  • INTENSIFIED DRONE THREAT, FOCUS ON IZMAIL (EXTREME PRIORITY): The immediate threat remains the large concentration of drones approaching or operating in the Izmail district. Odesa is currently clear after air defense action. Drone activity continues across multiple other regions.
  • INTENSE GROUND FIGHTING (HIGH PRIORITY): The Ukrainian General Staff reports 112 clashes, with the heaviest fighting in the Pokrovsk and Kursk directions.
  • CONTINUED WEAPON PROMISES (MEDIUM PRIORITY): The British "Gravehawk" air defense system highlights ongoing weapons deliveries.
  • SABOTAGE AND ESPIONAGE (MEDIUM PRIORITY): The sentencing of Ukrainian "saboteurs" highlights the ongoing conflict beyond the front lines.

Updated Recommendations

  1. VERIFY AND ANALYZE POTENTIAL TRUMP-PUTIN MEETING (EXTREME PRIORITY, IMMEDIATE ACTION):

    • Use all available intelligence assets to confirm or refute the planned meeting in Saudi Arabia.
    • Determine the timing, agenda, and participants of the meeting, if it is confirmed.
    • Analyze the potential implications for the conflict in Ukraine, including possible concessions or pressure on the Ukrainian government.
    • Prepare contingency plans for various outcomes of the meeting.
  2. CLARIFY US POLICY ON UKRAINE (EXTREME PRIORITY, IMMEDIATE ACTION):

    • Seek official clarification from the US government regarding its policy on Ukraine, specifically addressing concerns about pressuring Ukraine for concessions.
    • Monitor statements from US officials, including the Pentagon head, for any indications of a policy shift.
    • Engage with European allies to assess their concerns and maintain a unified approach.
  3. MAINTAIN EXTREME AIR DEFENSE READINESS, PRIORITIZE IZMAIL (EXTREME PRIORITY, IMMEDIATE ACTION):

    • Prioritize air defense systems in the Izmail district due to the concentrated drone threat.
    • Continuously monitor UAV movements and adjust deployments accordingly.
    • Maintain high alert across multiple other regions experiencing drone activity.
  4. MONITOR GROUND SITUATION, FOCUS ON POKROVSK AND KURSK (HIGH PRIORITY):

    • Gather intelligence on the intensity and outcome of clashes in the Pokrovsk and Kursk directions.
    • Assess Russian and Ukrainian losses and adjust defensive strategies accordingly.
    • Continue previous recommendations.
  5. ALL PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT (ADJUSTED PRIORITIES): All previously issued recommendations remain valid, with priorities adjusted as indicated above. The focus remains on responding to immediate threats (air defense, drone attacks), verifying critical reports (potential Trump-Putin meeting, US policy shift), and maintaining a high state of readiness across the country. The potential Trump-Putin meeting and concerns about a shift in US policy are now the highest priority issues.

Previous (2025-02-12 20:38:42Z)