TACTICAL AND OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SITUATION REPORT (SITREP)
DTG: 051830Z NOV 25
REPORTING PERIOD: 051800Z NOV 25 – 051830Z NOV 25
ANALYST CONFIDENCE (Overall): HIGH (RF focus on logistical paralysis through deep strikes and critical infrastructure disruption is intensifying, confirmed by the restriction of key rail links.)
Donbas Operational Depth (CRITICAL FOCUS):FACT: Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) has temporarily restricted train traffic to the Kramatorsk direction, limiting movement to Husarivka or Barvinkove due to security concerns (051815Z, 051830Z NOV 25). JUDGMENT: This confirms the immediate operational impact of RF deep strike/infiltration threats, particularly around Kostiantynivka and Slovyansk. The rail link to Kramatorsk is the primary heavy logistics backbone for the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad defense. Its restriction represents a severe constraint on UAF sustained combat power.
Dnipropetrovsk/Kharkiv Axis:FACT: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (UAF AF) reports multiple UAVs (likely Shahed) on the northeast of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, moving south (051815Z NOV 25). Explosions reported in the Chuhuiv community, Kharkiv Oblast, amid drone attack (051816Z NOV 25), and an attack on warehouses near Bohodukhiv resulted in four casualties, including a 10-year-old child (051828Z, 051831Z NOV 25). JUDGMENT: This confirms the commencement of the predicted Shahed wave, focused on CNI (Dnipropetrovsk) and logistics/storage facilities (Kharkiv), coinciding with deteriorating weather.
Southern Front (Kherson Area):FACT: An emergency power line shutdown in Kherson Oblast left 300 settlements and 200,000 people without electricity (051806Z NOV 25), attributed to Russian-controlled authorities (Sal'do). JUDGMENT: While potentially an internal CNI failure, the timing reinforces the overarching RF strategy of maximum disruption to Ukrainian civilian infrastructure across multiple fronts.
1.2. Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations
The commencement of the Shahed wave in Dnipropetrovsk/Kharkiv, coupled with low cloud/fog conditions (Previous Report), favors the RF operational plan by hindering UAF ground-based AD visual targeting and accelerating the CNI degradation required for RF logistical paralysis.
1.3. Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures
UAF Posture: UAF is actively managing the deep threat by limiting critical rail movement (UZ restriction), confirming the immediate reaction to security assessments. AD assets are engaged in countering the initial Shahed ingress and KAB strikes (Sumi Oblast, 051816Z, 051828Z NOV 25).
RF Posture: RF is executing the MLCOA: Coordinated deep strike commencement (Shahed) + continued KAB usage (Sumi) + high-level strategic IO messaging (Medvedev, Putin).
2. ENEMY ANALYSIS (Threat Assessment)
2.1. Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action
Capabilities:
Kinetic Deep Strike (HIGH CONFIDENCE): RF retains the ability to strike high-value logistics/storage targets deep in the UAF rear (Kharkiv/Bohodukhiv) using UAVs/missiles and to exert direct operational constraint via CNI targeting (Kherson outage, Dnipropetrovsk Shahed).
Psychological Escalation (HIGH CONFIDENCE): Medvedev's statement regarding the "expediency of conducting full-scale nuclear tests" (051803Z NOV 25) serves as a strategic message of escalation and coercion, intended to influence international decision-making and project strength domestically.
Intentions:
Operational Suffocation: The immediate operational intention is to sever or severely restrict the flow of heavy resupply (ammunition, fuel, heavy equipment) to the Donbas front via the critical Kramatorsk rail hub, exploiting the chaos generated by the concurrent Shahed attacks.
Multinational IO/Domestic Solidification: Putin's support for the "Year of the Unity of Peoples of Russia" (051816Z, 051817Z NOV 25) confirms the RF C2 focus on strategic domestic messaging to stabilize the political environment amid continued high casualty rates.
2.2. Recent Tactical Changes or Adaptations
Focus on UAF Light Mobility (Kupyansk Axis): (Confirmed by UAF footage) RF forces are deploying suicide motorcyclists to breach mine barriers, indicating a high-risk, low-signature attempt to achieve penetration, particularly near Kupyansk (051827Z NOV 25). UAF FPV assets are effectively countering this low-tech infiltration method.
Counter-UAV Focus (Observed RF Footage): RF UAV footage shows successful interdiction of UAF FPV/heavy-lift drones (Baba Yaga), indicating improved RF Counter-UAS capabilities, particularly in contested airspaces (051821Z NOV 25).
2.3. Logistics and Sustainment Status
CRITICAL CONSTRAINT: The temporary restriction of the Kramatorsk rail line (via Husarivka/Barvinkove) forces UAF J4 to rapidly shift logistics to road transport further south, increasing vulnerability to RF SpN and deep strike interdiction in the Kostiantynivka-Pokrovsk area.
2.4. Command and Control Effectiveness
UAF C2 demonstrated effective immediate threat response by authorizing the UZ rail restriction. However, the confirmed presence of Shahed UAVs and the SpN threat in Kostiantynivka means UAF C2 is operating under severe duress and requires maximal decentralization and redundant communication links.
3. FRIENDLY FORCES (Blue Force Tracking)
3.1. Ukrainian Force Posture and Readiness
Readiness (AD): UAF AD assets are currently engaged against the initial Shahed wave in Dnipropetrovsk/Kharkiv.
Operational Control: The decision to limit rail traffic demonstrates force protection priority, even at the cost of operational speed.
3.2. Recent Tactical Successes or Setbacks
Tactical Successes:
Counter-Infiltration (Kupyansk): UAF 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade successfully liquidated multiple RF personnel utilizing motorcycles for high-speed infiltration near Kupyansk (051827Z NOV 25), validating UAF FPV superiority in countering low-tech flanking maneuvers.
Prisoner Capture: Capture of an RF soldier near Kupyansk (051825Z NOV 25) provides potential HUMINT on morale and intent, indicating continued localized RF willingness to surrender.
Setbacks:
Logistical Restriction: Temporary closure of the Kramatorsk rail line. (HIGH IMPACT)
Casualties/Damage: Confirmed casualties (4, including a child) and damage from strikes on storage facilities in Kharkiv Oblast (Bohodukhiv).
3.3. Resource Requirements and Constraints
Immediate Requirement: Increased SHORAD coverage along the secondary GLOCs feeding the Donbas front (Barvinkove/Husarivka axes). Priority allocation of electronic warfare (EW) assets to shield key logistics road convoys from RF ISR and FPV targeting.
4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (Cognitive Domain)
4.1. Propaganda and Disinformation Campaigns
RF Strategic Coercion: Medvedev's nuclear testing threat (051803Z NOV 25) is intended for a global audience, aiming to fracture NATO unity and deter deeper Western military intervention.
RF Casualty Claims: RF military bloggers are exaggerating UAF losses from strikes (e.g., claiming 8 KIA, 40 WIA, 6 MIA from a Dnipropetrovsk strike, 051822Z NOV 25). AIM: Degrade UAF morale and exaggerate RF kinetic success.
UAF Counter-IO: UAF successfully leverages captured personnel footage (Kupyansk POW, 051825Z NOV 25) to undermine RF morale and encourage further defections.
4.2. Public Sentiment and Morale Factors
Public morale is under renewed pressure due to the widespread CNI disruption (Kherson blackout, Dnipropetrovsk/Kharkiv strikes) and the severe impact on civil logistics (UZ rail restrictions). The targeting of civilian areas near Kharkiv (Bohodukhiv) will heighten public fear.
5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS (Future Operations)
5.1. Most Likely Enemy Courses of Action (MLCOA) - Next 4-8 Hours
(HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF will attempt to convert logistical constraints into tactical advantage:
Shahed Saturation Peak: The current Shahed wave will reach its peak saturation over Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava, aiming to degrade CNI and air defense effectiveness.
Kostiantynivka Raids: RF SpN groups will exploit the darkness, poor weather, and the logistical confusion caused by the rail restriction to initiate kinetic raids against logistics nodes (ASPs) or the exposed secondary road transport corridors leading from Barvinkove/Husarivka towards Pokrovsk.
Myrnohrad Thrust: Concurrent, heavy frontal assaults will continue on the Myrnohrad axis, attempting to break the defense before UAF can fully establish alternative supply lines.
5.2. Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA) - Next 24-48 Hours
(HIGH CONFIDENCE)
GLOC Severance and Frontal Breach: A successful, coordinated SpN attack severs a key road link or destroys a major ASP supporting the 54th OMBR. Logistical shortages then compound under sustained RF artillery and frontal pressure, forcing a collapse of the Pokrovsk salient defense and a costly, hurried withdrawal of UAF formations.
5.3. Timeline Estimates and Decision Points
Timeframe
Event/Decision Point
Triggering Indicator
0-2H
SpN Confirmation: UAF QRF/Hunter teams achieve positive identification (PID) of RF SpN activity inside Kostiantynivka.
Confirmed combat contact (CE), fire and movement, or SIGINT on SpN comms.
2-4H
Shahed Damage Assessment: J2/J3 (Air) provides initial BDA on the success/failure of the current Shahed wave.
CNI outage statistics, AD engagement/kill ratios.
4-8H
Road Convoy Diversion: J4 confirms the first major heavy resupply convoys have successfully transited the secondary road routes (from Husarivka/Barvinkove) without significant interdiction.
Successful convoy arrival at designated transfer points near Pokrovsk.
6. INTELLIGENCE GAPS AND COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS
Priority
Gap Description
Collection Requirement (CR)
Confidence (Pre-Analysis)
CRITICAL - UNCHANGED
Kostiantynivka SpN Mission/OOB: Precise targeting of the confirmed RF infiltration groups and their immediate objective (rail, road, C2).
HUMINT/SIGINT/UAV ISR: Continuous, layered thermal/IR surveillance over Kostiantynivka logistics nodes. Maximize ELINT on potential RF radio links.
MEDIUM
CRITICAL - REFINED
Shahed Target BDA and Post-Strike Logistics Impact: Detailed damage assessment of strikes in Dnipropetrovsk/Kharkiv and the effect on UAF sustainment.
IMINT/UAV ISR: Post-strike imagery analysis of Bohodukhiv and Dnipropetrovsk targets. J4 reporting on logistics disruption percentage.
LOW
HIGH - NEW
RF Motorcycle Infiltration Intent: Are the motorcycle assaults an isolated, high-risk tactic or part of a coordinated larger infiltration strategy?
HUMINT/UAV ISR: Detailed interrogation of the Kupyansk POW regarding motorcycle unit tasking and observation of similar activity on other contested axes.
LOW
7. ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS
J3/J4 (Logistics/Operations): IMMEDIATE SECURITY FOR SECONDARY GLOCs.
Action: Divert a minimum of 25% of available FPV/Counter-UAS assets from the immediate front line to provide dynamic security and overwatch for the newly activated road corridors feeding the Donbas salient (Husarivka/Barvinkove to Pokrovsk). Prioritize night-time patrols and EW coverage.
Action: Designate all UAF forces currently deployed in Kostiantynivka for counter-infiltration as "Search and Destroy" units. Utilize the deteriorating weather conditions to deploy thermal ISR on foot to clear urban terrain and identified HVT areas (C2 nodes, rail transfer points).
Action: Analyze the successful FPV tactics used by the 14th OMBR against RF motorcycle infiltration and immediately disseminate this video and corresponding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to all maneuver brigades in the Kupyansk/Donbas sector.