Archived operational intelligence briefing
1.1. Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain
OVERALL OPERATIONAL PICTURE: Russian Federation (RF) continues a persistent multi-domain deep strike posture, with confirmed massed UAV activity now expanding to target critical civilian infrastructure in Chernihiv Oblast (Nizhyn), in addition to Odesa Oblast and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Dnipro). New information confirms a port terminal and energy infrastructure in Chornomorsk were hit previously. RF also persists with tactical drone usage for kinetic strikes and maintains ballistic missile threat to Northern, Central, and Eastern Ukraine. A significant industrial fire with reported explosions has occurred in Balashikha, Moscow Oblast. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - Updated with new Chernihiv deep strike, continued deep strikes, and new significant internal RF incident.)
Northern Ukraine (Chernihiv Oblast - Nizhyn): RF massed drone attack (Shahed variants) confirmed on a critical infrastructure enterprise, resulting in widespread power and water outages. UAF Air Force reports missile danger in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk Oblasts. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - NEW DEEP STRIKE CONFIRMED on critical infrastructure.)
Northern Ukraine (Sumy Oblast): UAF Air Force previously reported missile danger, now cleared. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Central Ukraine (Poltava Oblast): UAF Air Force previously reported missile danger, now cleared. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - No change.)
Central Ukraine (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast): Explosions confirmed in Dnipro. "Поддубный |Z|О|V| edition" claims RF "Vostok" Group destroyed a UAF tank near Ivanivka, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, using aerial reconnaissance. UAF Air Force reports missile danger in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - NEW RF CLAIM of tactical strike in Dnipropetrovsk, continued deep strike, and missile danger.)
Eastern Ukraine (Donbas - Redkodub, Krasnolymansk direction): "Старше Эдды" (RF source) claims RF forces "finished off" remaining UAF personnel from the 3rd Army Corps who failed to escape a counter-attack near Redkodub, following previous unsuccessful UAF counter-attacks. UAF Air Force reports missile danger in Donetsk Oblast. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - NEW RF CLAIM of tactical success, continued missile danger.)
Eastern Ukraine (Donbas - Krasnoarmiysk/Pokrovsk direction): "Военкор Котенок" (RF source) claims a successful FPV drone ambush by RF operators against a vehicle on a road in the Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmiysk) direction. TASS (citing DNR advisor Kimakovsky) claims Kyiv has redeployed "Azov" personnel to the Krasnoarmiysk sector. "Народная милиция ДНР" claims the RF 33rd Motorized Rifle Regiment (MSR) is destroying UAF logistics and EW on the front line. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - NEW RF CLAIMS of tactical drone success, UAF redeployment, and logistics/EW destruction.)
Southern Ukraine (Odesa Oblast / Chornomorsk): Widespread reports/evidence of RF massed drone attacks on Odesa District overnight, confirmed targeting four DTEK energy facilities, with 29,000 residents without electricity and one wounded. "Colonelcassad" specifically claims a "Geran-2" strike on a railway ferry complex in Illichivsk (Chornomorsk), destroying equipment and rolling stock. "Военкор Котенок" confirmed strikes on a port terminal and energy infrastructure in Chornomorsk. The Mayor of Chornomorsk, Vasyl Huliaiev, states this was the "most massive attack on Chornomorsk since 2022." (HIGH CONFIDENCE - Widespread confirmation of deep strikes on Odesa energy and Chornomorsk energy/port infrastructure, civilian impact, specific target claims.)
Southern Ukraine (Zaporizhzhia Oblast): UAF Air Force reports missile danger in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - Continued missile danger.)
Eastern Ukraine (Kharkiv Oblast): UAF Air Force reports missile danger in Kharkiv Oblast. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - Continued missile danger.)
RF Internal (Moscow Oblast - Balashikha): ASTRA reports a large fire in Balashikha, Moscow Oblast, with "explosions heard," covering 4000 sq meters. Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (MCHS) reports no casualties. The Balashikha Experimental Chemical Plant (BOKHZ) is located in the fire area. "Новости Москвы" states it's a warehouse fire on Zvezdnaya Street. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - NEW DETAILS on fire extent and MCHS report. Presence of chemical plant raises potential for secondary effects or a more serious incident.)
RF Internal (General): TASS reports over 60% of Russian bloggers plan to transition to the "Max" platform. TASS also features Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov discussing marketplace usage. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New information on internal tech/media trends and public official activities, no direct military impact.)
International: Colonelcassad reports on Xi-Modi negotiations in China, emphasizing strengthening relations and multipolarity, and crediting Trump with facilitating the meeting. Kotsnews also mentions the China summit and "exchange of territories." (HIGH CONFIDENCE - New diplomatic interactions, and RF IO attempting to credit Trump for a meeting between other nations.)
1.2. Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations
1.3. Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures
RF:
UAF:
1.4. Intelligence Gaps from Previous Report Addressed/Updated:
2.1. Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action
Capabilities:
Intentions:
Courses of Action (COA) Currently Observed:
2.2. Recent tactical changes or adaptations
2.3. Logistics and sustainment status
2.4. Command and control effectiveness
Ukrainian force posture and readiness: UAF forces are maintaining a high state of vigilance against aerial threats, with effective detection and warning systems demonstrated for missiles and reconnaissance/attack UAVs. Readiness remains high. The explicit targeting of civilian energy, transport, and now other critical infrastructure (e.g., water in Nizhyn) necessitates heightened awareness and enhanced point-defense systems for all critical infrastructure targets across Ukraine. The high rate of UAV neutralizations by UAF PVO demonstrates a strong defensive posture against massed drone attacks, but the strike on Nizhyn highlights persistent vulnerabilities. The new deep strike on Dnipro, Nizhyn, and persistent missile threats to a wider range of Oblasts require continued vigilance across a broad geographic area. (HIGH CONFIDENCE - Updated with new deep strike on Nizhyn, specific Chornomorsk target, and wider missile danger areas.)
Recent tactical successes or setbacks:
Resource requirements and constraints:
Propaganda and disinformation campaigns:
Public sentiment and morale factors:
International support and diplomatic developments:
Most Likely Enemy Courses of Action (MLCOA):
Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA):
Timeline Estimates and Decision Points:
IMMEDIATE: Enhance Point-Defense for All Critical Civilian Infrastructure (Energy, Transport, Industrial, Water, especially Ports) and Bolster IAMD for All Threatened Oblasts Against Missile/Drone Threats - FOCUS ON DEFEATING MASSED DRONE ATTACKS:
IMMEDIATE: Intensify All-Source ISR on RF Deep Strike Assets (UAVs, Missile Platforms, Kinetic Drone Launch/Control Units, Tactical COTS Drone Operations by Ground Units, and Logistical Support Networks) and Ground Force Movements in Eastern and Northern Axes, with Focus on Contested Areas, Drone C2/Launch Logistics for Multiple Axes, and RF Tactical Concealment:
IMMEDIATE: Assess and Mitigate Risks from Predicted Magnetic Storms:
HIGH: Proactive STRATCOM Campaign to Counter RF Disinformation, Highlight Critical Infrastructure Attacks and Atrocities, and Advocate for Urgent, Broad IAMD Aid (Including Tactical Drone Defense Against COTS Drones and Counter-Critical Infrastructure Defense):
MEDIUM: Enhance Tactical Counter-Drone Capabilities for Frontline Units and Target RF Volunteer Logistical Networks:
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