INTELLIGENCE SITUATION REPORT (SITREP) - BALLISTIC STRIKE CONTINUITY AND RUSSIAN FORCE PROJECTION
DTG: 011833Z NOV 25
ANALYST CONFIDENCE (Overall): HIGH. The RF strategy remains consistent: deep strike saturation, continued tactical pressure on the Pokrovsk axis (under the Krasnoarmiysk/Pokrovsk designation used by RF), and synchronized strategic signaling to project long-term military capability.
1. SITUATION OVERVIEW (Current Operational Picture)
1.1. Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain
The operational environment is characterized by high-intensity aerial threats against the northern and eastern deep rear, directly coinciding with RF media efforts to demoralize UAF defenders on the Pokrovsk axis.
- Northern Ballistic Axis (Chernihiv): Multiple rapid, successive high-speed targets were detected over Chernihiv Oblast (18:03Z, 18:06Z, 18:08Z). This marks a continuation of the critical ballistic threat identified in the previous report, with UAF AD confirming a repetition of the threat course aimed at Chernihiv/Southwest (18:04Z, 18:08Z).
- Eastern Air Attack Axis (Sumy): UAF Air Force confirms the launch of Guided Aerial Bombs (KAB/UMPK) targeting Sumy Oblast (18:11Z). This reinforces the operational expansion identified in the previous daily report, aiming to disperse UAF AD resources across the eastern border.
- Deep Rear Logistics (Bryansk/Kursk): Intelligence monitors indicate the delivery of approximately 15 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles to launch areas in Bryansk and Kursk Oblasts (18:32Z). This confirms the logistical pre-positioning required to sustain the current and future deep strike campaign.
- Tactical Frontline (Kupyansk): RF media claims successes in the "Battle for Kupyansk," specifically stating the 68th Motor Rifle Division is "massively burning" UAF equipment (18:19Z). While unverified by friendly sources, this indicates sustained, kinetic pressure and significant employment of FPV/loitering munitions in this sector.
- Strategic Naval Projection: RF MoD officially released footage of the ceremony for the nuclear submarine Khabarovsk and the patrol ship Ivan Papanin (18:13Z, 18:29Z). This is not a tactical event but is a significant strategic IO effort to project stability, modernization, and long-term nuclear deterrence capability.
1.2. Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations
- Night operations continue to favor RF deep strike ingress and the use of thermal/FPV drones for tactical engagement (observed in Kupyansk footage, 18:19Z).
1.3. Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures
- UAF Air Defense: UAF AD maintains high alert, demonstrated by the rapid and continuous warnings for ballistic threats (18:03Z, 18:08Z). The subsequent "all clear" signal (18:27Z) suggests successful evasion, interception, or that the threat passed the target area.
- RF Force Posture (Deep Strike): RF is demonstrably postured for sustained deep strikes, with new ballistic missile assets (Iskander/KN-23) confirmed delivered to forward launch positions in Bryansk/Kursk (18:32Z).
1.4. Casualty Update (Dnipropetrovsk)
- The number of casualties from the RF strike on the Samarivskyi district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is confirmed at 8 wounded (18:20Z, 18:24Z).
2. ENEMY ANALYSIS (Threat Assessment)
2.1. Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action
Capabilities:
- Sustained Ballistic Readiness (HIGH CONFIDENCE): The pre-positioning of 15+ Iskander/KN-23 missiles in launch zones adjacent to Ukraine (Bryansk/Kursk) demonstrates an intent and capability to maintain the current tempo of high-speed strikes for the foreseeable future.
- Integrated Air Attack (HIGH CONFIDENCE): RF is executing a synchronized campaign utilizing both high-speed ballistic missiles (targeting Chernihiv/Kyiv axis) and massed glide bombs (targeting Sumy/Kharkiv axis), effectively diversifying the kinetic threat.
- Propaganda Sophistication (HIGH CONFIDENCE): RF milbloggers are employing high-level psychological warfare, leveraging philosophical arguments about UAF leadership's "narcissism" and lack of "empathy" to justify the current high casualty rates in Pokrovsk (Podolsky, 18:03Z).
Intentions:
- Overload Northern AD: Continue rapid, successive ballistic threats against Chernihiv/Kyiv to force UAF AD to expend interceptors and create momentary windows of vulnerability.
- Sustain Frontline Attrition: Maintain intense localized pressure on critical axes (Pokrovsk, Kupyansk) using tactical precision assets (FPV, artillery, KAB) to grind down UAF defensive lines.
- Strategic Deterrence Signaling: Use high-profile naval/military industrial announcements (Khabarovsk, Ivan Papanin) to project strength internationally and distract from the human cost of the ground war.
2.2. Recent Tactical Changes or Adaptations
- Iskander/KN-23 Pre-Positioning: The delivery of a significant number of high-precision ballistic missiles to forward operating areas (Bryansk/Kursk) is a proactive adaptation to maintain strike capacity, mitigating potential logistical constraints on delivering from deeper rear depots.
- Synchronized Kinetic/Propaganda Pressure (Pokrovsk): RF IO is now directly attacking the rationale for the UAF defense of Pokrovsk (referred to as Krasnoarmiysk), stating it has "no military sense" and is solely a "sacrifice" (18:03Z). This is a direct attempt to undermine the moral and political justification for holding the line.
2.3. Logistics and Sustainment Status (RF)
- Ballistic Sustainment: The confirmed delivery of 15+ Iskander-M/KN-23 missiles (18:32Z) indicates an active, prioritized logistical chain supporting the deep strike campaign. This suggests RF production/resupply of high-precision munitions remains robust.
2.4. Command and Control Effectiveness (RF)
- RF C2 is highly effective in synchronizing strategic communication (MoD announcements), deep kinetic strike assets (missile launch cycles, KAB strikes), and tactical operations (Kupyansk FPV activity).
3. FRIENDLY FORCES (Blue Force Tracking)
3.1. Ukrainian Force Posture and Readiness
- AD Posture: Highly reactive and professional, managing multiple high-speed threats across distinct axes (ballistic in North, KAB in East). The ability to issue rapid "all clear" signals after threat passage/interception (18:27Z) indicates effective real-time C2 and sensor fusion.
- Frontline Defense: UAF forces on the Kupyansk axis are confirmed to be targeted by intense RF FPV and fire missions (inferred from RF BDA footage, 18:19Z). This suggests active, close-quarters engagement is ongoing in that sector.
3.2. Recent Tactical Successes or Setbacks
- Success: Successful AD management of the repeated ballistic threat wave targeting Chernihiv/Kyiv.
- Setback: Confirmed civilian casualties (8 wounded) in Dnipropetrovsk (18:20Z) highlight the continued vulnerability of soft targets to RF precision strikes.
3.3. Resource Requirements and Constraints
- Precision Targeting: Urgent need for assets capable of striking Iskander/KN-23 launch zones in Bryansk/Kursk, given the confirmed pre-positioning of missiles (18:32Z). The concentration of these assets presents a high-value opportunity, though it requires long-range strike capability.
- Air Interception: Sustained use of glide bombs (KAB) on the Sumy axis (18:11Z) demands dedicated long-range AD (e.g., Patriot, S-300) to protect cities and infrastructure against these high-yield munitions.
4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (Cognitive Domain)
4.1. Propaganda and Disinformation Campaigns
- Defeatism Narrative (Pokrovsk): RF IO is escalating its efforts to convince UAF defenders and the public that the defense of Pokrovsk is "senseless" and a "sacrifice" orchestrated by an uncaring elite (18:03Z). This is a classical psychological operation aimed at inducing surrender.
- Strategic Capability Showcase: The official release of footage showcasing new naval assets (Khabarovsk, Ivan Papanin) is designed to reinforce the narrative of RF military resilience and modernization, despite battlefield setbacks.
4.2. Public Sentiment and Morale Factors
- The continuous rotation of air raid alarms (especially ballistic) in Central/Northern Ukraine is likely inducing fatigue and anxiety, though casualty reports (Dnipropetrovsk) simultaneously reinforce anti-Russian sentiment.
4.3. International Support and Diplomatic Developments
- The strategic signaling regarding the Khabarovsk submarine launch (Poseidon carrier) is intended primarily for Western capitals, serving as a reminder of RF's strategic nuclear capabilities amidst ongoing conflict support for Ukraine.
5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS (Future Operations)
5.1. Most Likely Enemy Courses of Action (MLCOA) - Next 24-48 Hours
(HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF will leverage the newly delivered Iskander/KN-23 missiles in Bryansk/Kursk to execute a coordinated, large-scale deep strike wave (ballistic + cruise missile/UAV) aimed at critical CNI and military C2 targets in Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv. This wave will be preceded by or concurrent with heavy FPV/KAB application on the Sumy and Kupyansk axes to tie down AD assets. The goal is to achieve a decisive kinetic breakthrough in the strategic rear, justifying the current high rate of missile expenditure and pre-positioning.
- Indicators: Immediate, high-density missile and UAV alarms across Central and Northern Ukraine; increased RF SIGINT/ISR activity targeting known UAF AD positions.
5.2. Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA) - Next 24-48 Hours
(MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) RF executes a simultaneous, concentrated strike using the pre-positioned Iskander-M (conventional ballistic variant) against a newly identified UAF Reserve Assembly Area or critical repair/depot facility outside the immediate Kyiv AD envelope but within range of the Bryansk/Kursk launch sites. This would aim to rapidly neutralize UAF capacity to reinforce the critical Pokrovsk or Kupyansk sectors.
- Indicators: HUMINT confirming unusual movement or concentration of UAF high-value assets outside major cities; sudden operational silence from known staging areas.
5.3. Timeline Estimates and Decision Points
| Timeframe | Event/Decision Point | Triggering Indicator |
|---|
| 0-12H (Overnight) | Pre-emptive ISR/EW Surge: Decision to actively patrol northern border for RF launch preparations (ELINT/SIGINT). | Confirmed activation or pre-launch checks of Iskander platforms near Bryansk/Kursk. |
| 0-24H | AD Prioritization Review: Decision to reallocate SHORAD from static defense to mobile protection for logistics routes threatened by KABs on the Sumy axis. | Confirmed successful RF KAB strike on a key logistics node near Sumy/Kharkiv. |
| 24-48H | Deep Strike Response: Decision to utilize limited-range Western-supplied precision munitions to degrade RF launch capacity in border regions. | Sustained (2+ days) high-volume ballistic strike rate confirming RF reliance on forward launch sites. |
6. INTELLIGENCE GAPS AND COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) |
|---|
| CRITICAL | Precise geolocation and operational status (e.g., refuel/re-arm cycles) of the Iskander/KN-23 missile systems newly delivered to Bryansk/Kursk Oblasts. | IMINT/SIGINT: High-priority tasking of all ISR assets (satellite/airborne/ground) to map and track movement/readiness of these specific launch units. |
| HIGH | Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) for the recent ballistic strikes confirmed targeting Chernihiv to determine actual impact location and munition type (Iskander-M vs. KN-23). | EOD/HUMINT: Field teams to collect debris and impact data in Chernihiv/Siniavka region. |
| MEDIUM | Confirmation of the effectiveness and scale of the RF FPV/Drone campaign on the Kupyansk axis (claimed by 68 MSD) to understand attrition rates. | TECHINT/OSINT: Analysis of RF-released FPV BDA footage, cross-referenced with UAF after-action reports and local reconnaissance. |
7. ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS
- J3 (Air Defense) - Northern Axis: CRITICAL ACTION. Immediately increase the readiness level of Patriot/SAMP/T units protecting Kyiv and key C2 nodes. Given the confirmed missile pre-positioning in Bryansk/Kursk, assume a massed launch is imminent and optimize interceptor loading for rapid engagement of multiple ballistic threats.
- J4 (Logistics) - Eastern Axis: URGENT ACTION. Implement enhanced concealment and dispersal measures for all high-value logistics convoys and storage facilities near Sumy and Kharkiv, prioritizing protection against KAB/Glide Bomb strikes. Dedicate mobile SHORAD assets specifically to convoy protection.
- J7/GUR (Information Operations): IMMEDIATE ACTION. Produce and widely disseminate counter-propaganda content directly addressing the RF narrative regarding the "senselessness" of the Pokrovsk defense. Highlight the strategic importance of holding the line and the sacrifices of UAF personnel as essential to national defense.
- J2 (Intelligence): Prioritize the CRITICAL CR (Geolocation of Iskander units) and report findings within the next 6 hours to enable potential deep strike targeting options.
//END SITREP//