Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 091200Z OCT 25 AOR: Multi-Domain (Eastern Front, Deep Rear RF, Strategic C2) ANALYST CONFIDENCE (Overall): HIGH (High confidence in RF strategic intent, medium confidence in immediate tactical gains, high confidence in hybrid/information warfare continuity.)
The operational picture is defined by persistent RF offensive pressure on the Eastern axis and continued UAF deep strike campaigns against Russian Federation (RF) strategic logistics.
The previous report noted localized flooding in Rostov Oblast, which may be contributing to the logistical strain observed in the subsequent Donetsk fuel queues. Wet roads and overcast conditions are visible in Donetsk reporting, generally maintaining conditions for ground maneuver but potentially complicating rapid ground movement and further highlighting the operational utility of drone reconnaissance and heavy-lift drone operations (Akhmat unit deployment).
UAF: UAF forces are actively engaged in deep strike operations and maintaining command integrity in the information domain (Coordination Staff meetings on POW issues). Air Force units report active RF UAV activity south and west of Zaporizhzhia, indicating an immediate air defense requirement in that operational sector. RF: RF forces continue to use combined arms, integrating MLRS (Grad) support for infantry (WarGonzo footage) and utilizing specialized units (Akhmat SpN) for precision strikes with improvised heavy-lift munitions (mortar rounds) against UAF fortifications. The confirmed high-level articulation of strategic goals (Gerasimov report) suggests RF control measures are highly centralized and mission-focused.
(INTENTION - Strategic Paralysis and Ground Seizure): RF intentions are twofold:
(CAPABILITY - Heavy-Lift Drone Precision Strike): The Akhmat SpN video confirms RF capability to deploy modified heavy-lift multi-rotor drones (carrying improvised 72mm mortar rounds) for precision strikes against fortified UAF positions (likely bunkers/roof-mounted C2) with high payload capacity (up to 5kg). This is a tactical adaptation to overcome standard infantry camouflage and light field fortifications. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH - Detailed BDA footage and operator testimony confirming capabilities.)
(CAPABILITY - ISR/C2 Hunting): RF has a high capability to detect and target UAF tactical C2 and EW nodes (Starlink, antennae, generators) using persistent ISR drone coverage and subsequent indirect fire (Vilcha BDA).
The reported fuel queues in Donetsk (Mash report) immediately following the Matveyev Kurgan POL strike (previous SITREP) strongly indicate that UAF deep strikes are creating direct, observable pressure on RF military and civilian logistics continuity in occupied territories. RF logistics remain vulnerable in the deep rear.
RF C2: RF strategic C2 is high, demonstrated by the synchronized public messaging (Gerasimov) detailing offensive goals and the continued coordination of complex tactical operations (SpN heavy-lift drone ops, Grad support for infantry). UAF C2: UAF Air Force is effective in issuing timely warnings (Zaporizhzhia UAV alert), demonstrating functional early warning systems in the Southern Operational Zone.
UAF maintains strategic initiative in the deep rear (POL strikes), but readiness must immediately address the confirmed RF operational focus on the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro axes. Units in these sectors must prepare for intensified assaults, potentially spearheaded by VDV/elite units as previously observed in the Siversk salient.
Successes:
Setbacks:
Given the confirmed RF focus on the Zaporizhzhia axis and the threat of heavy-lift drones:
UAF morale is supported by the sustained deep strike campaign. RF domestic sentiment is targeted by RF media to focus on external diplomatic successes (Dushanbe meeting) and internal economic issues (blogger bankruptcy) to distract from battlefield losses. The fuel queues in Donetsk indicate that UAF kinetic operations are successfully penetrating RF information control mechanisms by creating tangible domestic hardships.
The European Parliament resolution calling for the downing of Russian aircraft/drones violating EU/NATO airspace (Operational ZSU report) is a significant diplomatic escalation, signaling potential direct NATO/EU involvement in Air Policing along borders, reducing the RF air threat near Western Ukraine.
The convergence of Gerasimov's stated objectives, confirmed VDV activity in Siversk (previous SITREP), and persistent drone attacks dictates an immediate increase in kinetic activity on the Southern and Eastern Operational Zones.
MLCOA 1 (Focused Ground Assault - Zaporizhzhia/Dnipro): RF will commit greater maneuver assets and high-volume artillery/MLRS support (confirmed Grad usage) to execute concerted offensive operations aimed at populated areas in the Zaporizhzhia operational zone within the next 48-72 hours, aligned with Gerasimov’s stated goals. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH - Direct confirmation from the highest levels of RF C2.)
MLCOA 2 (Enhanced C2 Hunting): RF tactical units will expand the proven doctrine of hunting UAF C2/ISR nodes (Starlink, antennae, generators) using sustained ISR coverage and precision fire, applying this tactic widely across the Siversk and Zaporizhzhia fronts. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH - Proven tactical success and high target value.)
MDCOA 1 (Coordinated Air-Ground Breakthrough): RF executes a major, multi-vector offensive in the Zaporizhzhia/Dnipro axis (MLCOA 1) simultaneously with a large-scale, deep missile/UAV strike aimed at UAF defense industry centers (e.g., missile/drone production, as stated by Gerasimov) to degrade UAF ability to sustain the fight while ground forces achieve operational depths. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM - Aligns perfectly with Gerasimov's dual-objective statement, and the previous saturation attack demonstrated the prerequisite AD attrition capability.)
| Event | Estimated Timeline | Decision Point (DP) |
|---|---|---|
| RF Major Assault (Zaporizhzhia/Dnipro - MLCOA 1) | T+48 to T+72 hours | DP 198 (Strategic Reserve Allocation): Pre-position or alert UAF strategic reserves for rapid deployment to the Zaporizhzhia axis to counter anticipated breakthroughs. |
| RF C2 Hunting Persistence (MLCOA 2) | T+0 to T+48 hours | DP 199 (Mobile C2 Directive): Mandate all tactical C2/ISR assets to operate only from highly mobile platforms and adopt strict transient operational protocols, prohibiting static positions for more than 4 hours. |
| RF Deep Strike on Defense Industry (MDCOA 1) | T+48 to T+96 hours | DP 200 (Defense Industry Dispersion): Accelerate dispersion, hardening, and mobile AD coverage of identified UAF defense production facilities. |
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) | Affected Area | Confidence Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (CRITICAL - RF Operational Focus): | Specific sector allocation of RF combat power (BDAs, unit IDs, force-to-force ratios) supporting the Zaporizhzhia/Dnipro offensive axis. | TASK: IMINT/HUMINT focus on RF staging areas and confirmed troop movements south of Vasylivka and along the Kupyansk/Siversk axes for VDV/maneuver units. | Eastern/Southern Stability | HIGH |
| PRIORITY 2 (HIGH - Heavy Drone Specs): | Technical specifications (range, endurance, C2 frequency, EW vulnerability) of the heavy-lift multi-rotor drones used by Akhmat SpN units. | TASK: SIGINT/ELINT focus on C2 spectrum and operational telemetry of multi-rotor drone flights in the area of operation of the Akhmat SpN units. | C-UAS Doctrine | MEDIUM |
| PRIORITY 3 (MEDIUM - Rail/POL Impact): | Quantitative assessment of the impact of the Donetsk fuel queues on RF military resupply and operational readiness in the occupied Donbas. | TASK: OSINT/HUMINT monitoring of fuel availability, price changes, and military convoy activity near major fuel depots and railheads in occupied Donbas. | RF Logistics Sustainment | MEDIUM |
Immediate C2 Counter-Drone Doctrine (TACTICAL - CRITICAL):
Resource Prioritization for Zaporizhzhia (OPERATIONAL - URGENT):
Counter-Heavy Drone EW Deployment (TACTICAL - URGENT):
//END REPORT//
We only use optional analytics cookies if you allow them. Necessary cookies stay on for sign-in and site security.
Learn more in our Privacy Policy.