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Historical Intelligence

Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-02-16 05:09:53Z
1 year ago
Previous (2025-02-16 04:39:42Z)

Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine: February 16, 2025, 05:09 UTC

Changes and New Information (04:39 UTC - 05:09 UTC, Feb 16)

  1. RUSSIAN ADVANCES REPORTED (HIGH PRIORITY, RUSSIAN SOURCE, REQUIRES VERIFICATION):

    • Военкор Котенок (04:41 UTC) reports Russian advances on the "Bogatyrskoe" direction. Claims include:
      • Advance in Novoocheretovatoe, with potential to outflank a Ukrainian stronghold near Burlatskoye.
      • Capture of Zelenivka.
      • Consolidation in Ulakly (approximately 1/4 of the southeastern part under Russian control).
      • Forcing Ukrainian forces out south of the N15 highway between Ulakly and Dachne.
      • Reports of conflicting information about Konstantinopol. No confirmed consolidation.
    • Assessment: These claims, if confirmed, represent SIGNIFICANT RUSSIAN GAINS in a strategically important area. The potential outflanking maneuver near Burlatskoye is particularly concerning. The conflicting reports about Konstantinopol highlight the FOG OF WAR, but the overall trend suggests INCREASING RUSSIAN PRESSURE in this sector. IMMEDIATE VERIFICATION is crucial.
  2. RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKES WITH GUIDED BOMBS (HIGH PRIORITY, CONFIRMED):

    • Colonelcassad (04:43 UTC) posts a video showing strikes using UAB-20 guided bombs, targeting:
      • Artillery in Kazachya Loknya.
      • Artillery in Bogdanovka.
      • A UAV operator post in Kazachya Loknya.
    • Assessment: This CONFIRMS continued Russian use of PRECISION-GUIDED MUNITIONS to target Ukrainian artillery and drone operations. The use of UAB-20 bombs indicates an effort to INCREASE THE ACCURACY AND EFFECTIVENESS of airstrikes. This SUPPORTS THE PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT of ongoing air attacks and the ballistic missile threat.
  3. BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT LIFTED (CONFIRMED, UKRAINIAN SOURCES):

    • Ukrainian Air Force (04:46 UTC) and RBC-Ukraine (04:47 UTC) announce the lifting of the ballistic missile threat.
    • Assessment: This is a TEMPORARY RESPITE, but the threat of future ballistic missile attacks REMAINS HIGH.
  4. RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKES AND DRONE ACTIVITY OVERNIGHT (HIGH PRIORITY, RUSSIAN SOURCE):

    • Два майора (04:48 UTC) reports:
      • Interception of only one Ukrainian drone over Kursk region overnight.
      • Information on the "clearing" of Sverdlikovo in the Sudzhansky district.
      • Explosions in Ukraine from 22:50 (Feb 15) to 05:30 (Feb 16) due to "Geran" drones and MLRS, targeting:
        • Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions.
        • Mykolaiv.
        • Boryspil.
        • Starokostiantyniv.
        • Vasylkiv (Kyiv region).
        • Zatoka (Odesa region, video included).
      • Russian aviation with UMPK (guided bombs) targeted the Sumy region border area and Kupyansk.
    • Дневник Десантника (04:48 UTC) posts a video claiming a large number of "Geran" drones attacked targets in Mykolaiv overnight.
    • Assessment: This provides a RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE on overnight operations, claiming LIMITED UKRAINIAN DRONE ACTIVITY and EXTENSIVE RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKES across multiple regions. The reported strikes in ZATOKA (ODESA REGION), confirmed by video, align with previous reports. The targeting of areas like BORYSPIL and VASYLKIV near Kyiv suggests ATTEMPTS TO DISRUPT AIR DEFENSES AND LOGISTICS around the capital. The claim of clearing SVERDLIKOVO needs INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION.
  5. EU RESOURCES FOR UKRAINE (HIGH PRIORITY, CONFIRMED):

    • Два майора (04:59 UTC), quoting Kaya Kallas, states the EU should redistribute resources to continue military operations in Ukraine. Kallas claims the EU is at a critical point. She also states the EU would support Ukraine even if negotiations occurred without Kyiv and the EU.
    • Assessment: This HIGHLIGHTS THE ONGOING DEBATE within the EU about SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE. Kallas's statements indicate a STRONG COMMITMENT TO CONTINUED MILITARY AID, even potentially bypassing direct negotiations. This has SIGNIFICANT LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS for the conflict and European security.
  6. TRUMP TEAM TO SAUDI ARABIA (HIGH PRIORITY, REPORTED, POLITICO VIA Два майора):

    • Два майора (04:59 UTC), citing Politico, reports that representatives of Trump's team are heading to Saudi Arabia to meet with Russian negotiators. Waltz, Rubio, and Whitkoff are reportedly joining, while Kellogg is not. Ukraine will reportedly NOT be represented. Zelenskyy and Fox News journalist Nana Saiaia reportedly confirm Kyiv was not informed.
    • Assessment: This aligns with previous reports, however. This REINFORCES CONCERNS about potential NEGOTIATIONS OCCURRING WITHOUT UKRAINIAN INVOLVEMENT. The presence of key Trump advisors suggests a potential shift in US policy, though the extent and implications are unclear.
  7. LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT ON LONG-TERM RUSSIAN THREAT (CONFIRMED):

    • Оперативний ЗСУ (05:06 UTC) quotes Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda stating that Russia represents a long-term threat for the next 20-30 years, a view shared by border countries.
    • Assessment: This reinforces the PERCEPTION OF A SUSTAINED THREAT from Russia, particularly among countries bordering Russia or Ukraine. This has LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS for defense planning and regional security.
  8. UK INVESTMENT IN STEEL INDUSTRY (CONFIRMED):

    • РБК-Україна* (05:04) confirmed UK investment of 3.15 Billion dollars.
    • Assessment: This may indirectly provide supplies.
  9. SBERBANK DISRUPTION (REPORTED):

    • Новости Москвы (05:07 UTC) reports major service disruptions at Sberbank, including issues with payments, ATMs, and the mobile app.
    • Assessment: This may affect Russia's logistical capabilities.

Updated Situation Summary

  • REPORTED RUSSIAN ADVANCES (EXTREME PRIORITY, REQUIRES VERIFICATION): Claims of significant gains in the "Bogatyrskoe" direction, including NOVOOCHERETOVATOE, ZELENIVKA, ULAQLY, and areas near the N15 highway. KONSTANTINOPOL remains contested. This is the MOST CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT and requires IMMEDIATE VERIFICATION.
  • CONTINUED RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKES (HIGH PRIORITY, CONFIRMED): Use of UAB-20 guided bombs to target Ukrainian artillery and drone operations. Overnight strikes across multiple regions, including near Kyiv, per Russian sources.
  • BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT LIFTED (TEMPORARY, CONFIRMED): But the overall threat remains high.
  • EXTENSIVE RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKES AND DRONE ACTIVITY OVERNIGHT (RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE): Claims of widespread strikes and limited Ukrainian drone activity.
  • EU RESOURCES FOR UKRAINE (HIGH PRIORITY, CONFIRMED): Strong commitment from some EU leaders to continue military aid, even potentially bypassing direct negotiations.
  • TRUMP TEAM TO SAUDI ARABIA (HIGH PRIORITY, REPORTED): Reinforces concerns about potential negotiations without Ukrainian involvement.
  • LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT ON LONG-TERM RUSSIAN THREAT (CONFIRMED): Reinforces the perception of a sustained threat, particularly among border countries.
  • SBERBANK DISRUPTION (REPORTED): May affect Russia's logistics.
  • ALL PREVIOUS KEY DEVELOPMENTS REMAIN RELEVANT: The situation with the US-Russia talks, the drone threats, and all other previous key developments remain IMPORTANT FACTORS.

Updated Recommendations

  1. VERIFY REPORTED RUSSIAN ADVANCES (EXTREME PRIORITY, IMMEDIATE ACTION):

    • Deploy all available intelligence assets (satellite imagery, drone reconnaissance, human intelligence, signals intelligence) to CONFIRM OR REFUTE the reported Russian advances in the "Bogatyrskoe" direction.
    • Prioritize verification of claims regarding NOVOOCHERETOVATOE, ZELENIVKA, ULAQLY, and the area near the N15 highway.
    • Assess the strategic implications of these potential advances, particularly the potential outflanking maneuver near BURLATSKOYE.
    • Prepare for potential counter-offensives and adjust force deployments accordingly.
  2. MAINTAIN HIGH ALERT FOR AIRSTRIKES (HIGH PRIORITY, CONTINUOUS):

    • Maintain a high state of alert across all areas, particularly those targeted overnight (Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa regions, and areas near Kyiv).
    • Prioritize air defense deployment to counter guided bombs and potential ballistic missile attacks.
    • Continue monitoring for Russian aircraft activity and be prepared for further strikes.
  3. ADDRESS POTENTIAL IMPACT OF REPORTED NEGOTIATIONS (HIGH PRIORITY, DIPLOMATIC ACTION):

    • Continue to press for clarification from US officials regarding the reported meetings in Saudi Arabia.
    • Reiterate Ukraine's position that any negotiations affecting its future must involve direct Ukrainian representation.
    • Explore alternative diplomatic channels to ensure Ukraine's interests are represented.
  4. MONITOR EU DISCUSSIONS ON SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE (HIGH PRIORITY, ONGOING):

    • Track discussions within the EU regarding resource allocation and military aid to Ukraine.
    • Engage with supportive EU members to ensure continued assistance.
  5. ASSESS LONG-TERM THREAT FROM RUSSIA (HIGH PRIORITY, STRATEGIC PLANNING):

    • Incorporate the long-term threat assessment from Lithuania and other border countries into strategic defense planning.
    • Develop long-term strategies for countering Russian aggression and ensuring regional security.
  6. MAINTAIN ALL PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS (ADJUSTED PRIORITIES): All other previous recommendations remain in effect, with priorities adjusted as indicated. The MOST IMMEDIATE PRIORITY is VERIFYING THE REPORTED RUSSIAN ADVANCES. CONTINUED VIGILANCE regarding air attacks and diplomatic developments is CRUCIAL.

The situation remains EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND RAPIDLY EVOLVING. The reported RUSSIAN ADVANCES, if confirmed, represent a MAJOR SHIFT in the battlefield situation. CONTINUED AIRSTRIKES and the potential for NEGOTIATIONS WITHOUT UKRAINIAN INVOLVEMENT are MAJOR CONCERNS. RAPID VERIFICATION, PROACTIVE DEFENSE, AND DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT are ESSENTIAL.

Previous (2025-02-16 04:39:42Z)

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