Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 020930Z OCT 25 AOR: Northern Operational Zone (NOZ - Kyiv, Chernihiv), Southern Operational Zone (SOZ - Odessa, Donetsk Axes), Strategic Information Environment (IE) PERIOD: 020600Z OCT 25 – 030930Z OCT 25
(FACT - NOZ Energy Interdiction Confirmed): RF deep strike operations have definitively escalated from military logistics (previous fuel train strike) to critical energy infrastructure. Confirmed successful strikes include the Slavutych 330 kV and 110 kV substations (Kyiv Oblast/NOZ). This has resulted in widespread power outages (blackout at Chernobyl NPP and most homes in Slavutych). This confirms the northern threat vector (Kyiv-Chernihiv axis) is now critical for RF strategic disruption. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
(FACT - SOZ Deep Strike Activity): Visual confirmation of large, intense fires/explosions in or near Odessa during the night suggests a successful RF air/missile strike against a high-value target in the port city, possibly related to infrastructure or logistics. Target BDA is pending. (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE)
(FACT - Dobropillia Axis Action): UAF 71st Separate Jager Brigade (DShV) reports successful "cleaning of positions" near Dobropillia (Donetsk Oblast). This indicates localized UAF offensive/counterattack activity or consolidation of gains in this sector. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
Night operations remain crucial for RF UAV/missile strikes, as evidenced by the confirmed nighttime attacks on Odessa and the Northern Oblasts. Current drone activity tracking (Air Force) indicates multiple new UAV sorties targeting Kharkivshchyna and Dnipropetrovshchyna from the Donetsk direction.
(RF): RF Ministry of Defense (MoD) claims successful strikes on "transport infrastructure for the military-industrial complex (MIC)," "long-range UAV assembly sites," and "ammunition depots." This broad targeting claim aligns with the confirmed substation strikes (disrupting power to MIC facilities) and the earlier fuel train strike. RF is synchronizing strategic kinetic strikes with high-level IO regarding perceived Western aggression (Orban quote) and domestic security actions (FSB arrests in Crimea).
(UAF): UAF forces continue active ground operations (71st DShV near Dobropillia) while mobilizing domestic and international resources to counter RF hybrid threats (SBU/Prosecutor General action against corruption in Dnipropetrovsk) and increasing drone procurement (Sternenko Foundation).
(CAPABILITY - High-Value Strategic Denial): The successful targeting of the Slavutych substation (330 kV) demonstrates RF's capability to execute precision strikes that deny power to large, critical areas, including the Chernobyl exclusion zone and associated infrastructure. This capability is scalable and intended to disrupt the national power grid ahead of winter. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
(CAPABILITY - Missile Evasion: Intelligence from FT suggests RF has modernized Iskander-M and Kinzhal missiles to potentially bypass Patriot SAM systems. If validated, this implies a heightened threat of successful kinetic strikes against previously secured high-value assets (C2, key installations). (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE)
(INTENTION - Multi-Domain Escalation): RF intentions are clearly focused on systemic disruption (energy/logistics) and strategic coercion (political rhetoric from Peskov and Orban amplification), while simultaneously maintaining high-tempo security operations in occupied territories (FSB arrests in Sevastopol) and IO aimed at delegitimizing UAF institutions (prosecution of corruption).
The extension of critical energy targeting into Kyiv Oblast (Slavutych) confirms the shift identified in the previous report (focus on NOZ energy security). This is a geographical and operational escalation from targeting only the immediate Northern Oblasts (Chernihiv/Sumy).
(RF Sustainment - Morale/Propaganda): RF propaganda channels (Arkhangel Spetsnaza, Voyenkor Kotonok) continue to push narratives focused on moral/spiritual support for troops and financial stability for military volunteers (5.5 million Rubles for first year), aiming to offset internal friction and sustain recruitment.
(UAF Logistics - Damage Assessment): The confirmed successful strikes against transport infrastructure, UAV assembly sites, and ammunition depots (claimed by RF MoD) suggest UAF logistics are under severe pressure across multiple domains. The confirmed power loss in Slavutych directly impacts industrial and logistical operations in the NOZ.
RF C2 is effectively synchronizing strategic strike planning (energy grid) with proactive IO and diplomatic signaling (Peskov/TASS). The rapid claims of success (MoD) post-strike indicate a highly integrated operational and information cycle.
UAF posture is generally defensive against RF ground advances while adapting rapidly to the deep strike threat. The formalization and expansion of drone systems regiments (previous report) and ongoing crowdfunding for FPV/Shahed interceptors (Sternenko Foundation, 315 drones/40 interceptors procured) demonstrate institutional and societal resilience, despite severe resource strain.
(Success - Ground Operations): UAF 71st DShV reports successful position clearing near Dobropillia (Donetsk), indicating local counter-offensive capability remains intact in the Eastern Operational Zone. (Setback - Strategic Energy Security): The loss of the Slavutych substation is a critical strategic setback, confirming RF's capability to reach and disrupt key infrastructure near the capital region. (Setback - Tactical Engagement): Video evidence from the Kalinouski Regiment (UAF-allied Belarusian unit) confirms a direct impact/explosion on a patrol, resulting in multiple wounded (3x 300), highlighting continued exposure to immediate tactical threats.
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: Immediate deployment of heavy, fixed air defense (e.g., Patriot, NASAMS) to protect the most critical energy generation facilities and associated transmission nodes (330kV and above) in Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy Oblasts.
CONSTRAINT: The reported modernization of Iskander/Kinzhal to bypass Patriot creates a critical vulnerability. UAF requires actionable intelligence on new RF missile TTPs and immediate technical countermeasure integration.
(RF Narrative - Global Conflict Escalation): RF amplifies statements from anti-EU figures like Viktor Orban, claiming the EU "wants to start a war." This narrative aims to frame Western political action (summit results, aid packages) as hostile aggression, justifying RF actions like deep strikes.
(RF Narrative - Internal Security and Morale): RF state media heavily promotes successful arrests (FSB in Sevastopol, court proceedings for 'terrorist sympathizers'), projecting an image of total control in occupied territories and successful counter-insurgency. They also push content emphasizing the moral superiority and spiritual support for frontline troops (military chaplain).
(UAF Counter-Narrative - Hybrid Threat Exposure): UAF channels (Operatyvnyi ZSU, Tsaplienko) are focused on exposing RF GRU plans for terrorism in Europe (Lithuania, Poland, Germany, allegedly using drones and explosive-filled cans), linking RF's actions to international destabilization and justifying NATO-level security response.
Public sentiment in the NOZ will likely be characterized by fear and anger due to the escalating, targeted energy attacks. However, UAF forces maintain high morale, reinforced by continued success in drone procurement and localized ground actions.
The reported GRU terror plots in Europe (Poland, Lithuania, Germany) will likely galvanize political support for increased counter-hybrid measures and potentially further military aid from NATO/EU partners, offsetting RF attempts to use coercive rhetoric.
RF will prioritize follow-on strikes against energy infrastructure in central and southern Ukraine (MLCOA 1) while continuing localized, high-intensity ground assaults supported by specialized armor (MLCOA 2).
MLCOA 1: Systemic Disruption of Central/Southern Energy Grid (HIGH CONFIDENCE) Following the success in Slavutych and the confirmed activity near Odessa, RF will target major power transmission hubs (substations, generation plants) in Kharkivshchyna, Dnipropetrovshchyna, and Odessa Oblasts over the next 48 hours to create widespread, long-duration power outages (blackouts) prior to the full onset of winter.
MLCOA 2: Commitment of BMPT-72 in High-Intensity Sectors (HIGH CONFIDENCE) The observed rail movement of BMPT-72s indicates imminent deployment. They will be committed to the most contested sectors (assessed as Verbove or Pokrovsk/Krasny Liman axes) to achieve local fire superiority and exploit UAF weak points, leveraging their specialized anti-infantry/anti-drone capabilities.
MLCOA 3: Increased GRU Hybrid Activity in EU (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) To distract from battlefield setbacks and undermine Western support, RF GRU will attempt to execute or publicly expose alleged attempts at small-scale terror/sabotage operations in NATO countries (Lithuania, Poland, Germany) as reported.
MDCOA 1: Successful Evasion Strike on Command Element (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) RF successfully employs modernized Iskander-M or Kinzhal missiles using new evasion tactics, achieving a direct hit on a critical strategic asset (e.g., UAF General Staff C2 node, major Patriot battery location, or high-ranking political/military leader) in a previously secure area like Kyiv.
| Timeframe (Z) | Area/Action | Status/Indicator | Decision Point for UAF Command |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMMEDIATE (0-12 hours) | NOZ/SOZ Power Security | Confirmed follow-on UAV/missile strike on a major substation in Odessa or Dnipropetrovsk. | DECISION: Implement emergency power generation and backup C2/relay procedures for all critical infrastructure/military C2 nodes in the threatened oblasts. |
| Next 24 Hours | BMPT-72 Deployment | Confirmed BMPT-72s observed at or near forward deployment bases in the Eastern or Southern Operational Zones. | DECISION: Launch deep interdiction strikes (long-range artillery/missiles/FPV swarms) against known assembly/staging areas immediately upon confirmation of BMPT-72 location. |
| Next 48 Hours | Missile Evasion Confirmation | IR/ELINT confirms new flight profiles or decoys utilized by RF Iskander/Kinzhal missiles during an attack. | DECISION: Immediate technical consultation with Western partners (US/Germany) to update Patriot/NASAMS engagement protocols and firmware to counter identified evasion TTPs. |
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) | Affected Area | Confidence Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (CRITICAL): | Missile Modernization Vetting: Validate and characterize the rumored modifications to Iskander-M and Kinzhal missiles regarding Patriot evasion TTPs (e.g., flight path changes, decoy use, terminal maneuverability). | Task TECHINT/ELINT to analyze debris from recent missile strikes; request urgent data sharing from Western partners. | Air Defense / Strategic Security | CRITICAL |
| PRIORITY 1 (CRITICAL): | Odessa BDA: Confirm the precise target type and battle damage sustained from the latest confirmed strike in Odessa. | Task IMINT (satellite/drone) and HUMINT (local reports) to assess the impact site (e.g., Port facility, logistics hub, or military depot). | SOZ Logistics / Port Security | HIGH |
| PRIORITY 2 (HIGH): | BMPT-72 AXIS Confirmation: Determine the specific tactical axis (Verbove, Vuhledar, Krasny Liman) where the newly deployed BMPT-72 "Terminator" vehicles will be committed. | Task IMINT/HUMINT to track rail movement and staging activity in rear areas of the Eastern and Southern Operational Zones. | Ground Maneuver / Counter-Armor | HIGH |
//END REPORT//
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