Archived operational intelligence briefing
DTG: 040400Z NOV 25 REPORTING PERIOD: 040339Z NOV 25 – 040400Z NOV 25 (Immediate Update) ANALYST CONFIDENCE (Overall): HIGH (Confirmation of widespread air defense success; continued focus on Pokrovsk and RF logistics degradation.)
The immediate operational geometry is defined by the cessation of the coordinated RF deep strike wave and the stabilization of the air domain in central and southern Ukraine. The focal point of tactical concern remains the Pokrovsk Axis (Donetsk Oblast) and the vulnerability of the Northeastern Border (Sumy Oblast) to further S-300/Ballistic strikes.
Updated Strike Status (Immediate):
Night conditions persist. Cloud cover (not explicitly reported but inferred from historical patterns) may have aided the earlier RF deep strike attempt, but darkness did not prevent UAF AD from achieving successful threat mitigation.
Capabilities: RF maintains the capability to launch diversified deep strikes simultaneously across multiple axes. The confirmed employment of S-300 in a Surface-to-Surface role near the Sumy border provides RF with short-notice, high-kinetic strike capability against UAF rear areas in the northeast, potentially without the need for high-risk aircraft deployment.
Intentions (Immediate):
The successful neutralization of the broad ballistic threat confirms that the RF adaptation of synchronized strikes (detailed in the previous SITREP) did not achieve its desired effect of overwhelming UAF AD saturation. However, the confirmed local explosions in Kharkiv and Odesa (01:53Z) suggest RF is maximizing the use of localized tactical fires (MLRS, short-range UAVs) to exploit the moment of high alert.
The potential successful strike on the Kstovo refinery (NORSI) is a significant development. While not an immediate tactical effect, this location is a major source of fuel for RF forces. The strike, if confirmed severe, will increase RF reliance on rail transport from more distant facilities and complicate the POL supply chain for the central axes (Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia). (ANALYTICAL JUDGEMENT - MEDIUM TERM IMPACT)
RF C2 remains synchronized but rigid. The widespread failure of the high-speed strike package to achieve critical kinetic effects suggests that UAF AD C2 remains resilient and responsive.
UAF posture is high, having successfully navigated the immediate deep strike crisis. Readiness remains high in the AD domain, but the high operational tempo required for ballistic defense strains maintenance and crew rotation schedules. The ground defense in Pokrovsk remains the priority operational concern.
Success: Confirmed mitigation of the widespread ballistic threat in Kyiv/Central Oblasts. Confirmed deep strike success against the Kstovo refinery (pending formal UAF confirmation). Setback: Localized explosions reported in Kharkiv and Odesa (01:53Z) confirm localized tactical hits, requiring immediate damage assessment.
The constraint on Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) assets, highlighted previously, is momentarily relieved by the "all-clear" status, but the threat remains. Resources must now be rapidly repositioned to address the Sumy S-300 launch area and the high-density artillery use in Pokrovsk.
RF IO channels are focusing on internal Russian holidays (Day of National Unity, 01:34Z) and promoting strategic distractions (North Korea missile launches, 01:49Z) to minimize attention on the Kstovo fire and the failure of the mass missile strikes.
The cancellation of the widespread ballistic threat will temporarily stabilize public morale. However, the confirmed explosions in Kharkiv and Odesa will maintain a sense of unease. Official confirmation of the successful AD interdiction and the Kstovo strike (if confirmed UAF-related) is critical for morale.
The TASS report on North Korea's missile launch during the US Defense Secretary's visit (01:49Z) is irrelevant to immediate UAF operations but serves RF interests by emphasizing global geopolitical tensions and distracting Western focus.
(HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF will prioritize consolidating tactical gains in Pokrovsk:
(MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) RF leverages temporary UAF AD asset reallocation (due to the Sumy threat) to execute a short-notice, massed, high-precision air strike (KABs and Cruise Missiles) targeting the primary UAF operational logistics hub near Pavlohrad/Dnipro, preceding a synchronized counter-attack by RF reserves designed to break the Pokrovsk defense.
| Timeframe | Event/Decision Point | Triggering Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2H | Pokrovsk Counter-Attack Execution: Launch localized counter-attacks using available UAF mechanized reserves to deny RF forces the opportunity to fully entrench in southern Pokrovsk. | Confirmed location and estimated strength of entrenched RF elements. |
| 2-4H | Sumy Counter-Battery/SEAD Tasking: Decision to commit specialized counter-battery or SEAD assets (e.g., HIMARS/Storm Shadow) to strike confirmed S-300 launch sites near the Sumy border. | Confirmed, triangulated S-300 launch positions (CRITICAL GAP fulfillment). |
| 6-12H | Reallocation of Central AD Reserves: Decision on whether to redeploy BMD assets back from Central/Kyiv to support the most contested axes (Pokrovsk logistics or Sumy defense). | RF strike pattern confirmation (continuation of ballistic/S-300 vs. return to KAB focus). |
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) |
|---|---|---|
| CRITICAL - RE-TASKED | S-300/Ballistic Launch Sites (Sumy): Precisely locate the current firing positions of the S-300/ballistic systems operating near the Sumy border to enable rapid counter-battery/SEAD targeting. | ELINT/SIGINT: Continuous, prioritized monitoring of RF territory adjacent to Sumy for launch signatures, radar activity, and vehicle movement associated with S-300 deployment. |
| CRITICAL | RF Activity in Pokrovsk City: Determine the specific RF units (OOB), strength, and immediate objectives of the assault elements inside southern Pokrovsk to inform the counter-attack plan. | IMINT/UAV Reconnaissance: Continuous, high-resolution surveillance on the southern sectors of Pokrovsk, focusing on troop density and reinforcement routes. |
| HIGH | Kstovo Incident Damage Assessment (RF Rear): Confirm the operational impact and timeline for recovery of the Kstovo refinery (NORSI) to estimate medium-term RF POL supply degradation. | IMINT/Commercial Satellite: High-resolution imagery of the Kstovo refinery (Nizhny Novgorod Oblast) for damage assessment, specifically fire damage, storage tanks, and rail infrastructure. |
//END SITREP//
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