Nightwatch logo
'Nightwatch' text with white and gray letters
Historical Intelligence

Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-11-21 00:10:18Z
3 months ago
Previous (2025-11-20 23:55:19Z)

OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SITUATION REPORT (SITREP) - IPB ANALYSIS

DTG: 210600Z NOV 25 REPORTING PERIOD: 212330Z NOV 25 – 220600Z NOV 25 ANALYST CONFIDENCE (Overall): HIGH. The RF remains committed to the current operational tempo, characterized by synchronized kinetic pressure in Donetsk and sustained cognitive operations aimed at achieving policy paralysis. The immediate commitment of UAF tactical reserves is the singular critical decision point for the next 4 hours.


1. SITUATION OVERVIEW (Current Operational Picture)

1.1. Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain

STATUS: CRITICAL. The RF mechanized penetration west of Mirnohrad (Pokrovsk axis) is sustained by immediate close air support (KABs). RF forces (40th/155th OMBR) are actively attempting to consolidate ground gained within the past 12 hours. NEW FACT: Confirmed new wave of tactical UAVs (approx. 10 platforms, likely Shahed/Geran) inbound towards the Odesa/Chornomorsk region (Black Sea axis). This validates the previous assessment of a multi-axis AD-fixing operation. KEY TERRAIN IMPACT: The Kostiantynivka GLOC (M-30/T-05-15) remains under immediate threat of Spetsnaz interdiction, which would sever the main logistical artery to the Pokrovsk salient.

1.2. Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations

STATUS: UNCHANGED. Dry, firm ground persists, favoring RF mechanized maneuver. Visibility remains good, supporting both RF (KAB guidance) and UAF (ISR) air operations.

1.3. Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures

RF DISPOSITIONS (JUDGMENT - HIGH CONFIDENCE): The 40th/155th OMBR are advancing, utilizing KAB strikes. The primary RF objective remains the operational exploitation of the Mirnohrad breach. The new UAV wave targeting Odesa confirms the RF intent to divide UAF AD resources. UAF CONTROL MEASURES (JUDGMENT - MEDIUM CONFIDENCE): UAF AD assets are currently engaged on two axes (Odesa and Kharkiv) against tactical UAVs, suggesting continued dispersal of limited resources. The decision regarding commitment of the dedicated tactical reserve on the Mirnohrad axis is paramount and overdue.


2. ENEMY ANALYSIS (Threat Assessment)

2.1. Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action

Capabilities (HIGH CONFIDENCE):

  1. Sustained Multi-Axis Pressure: Proven capability to synchronize kinetic pressure (Donetsk) with sustained, simultaneous AD fixing operations (Black Sea/Odesa/Kharkiv).
  2. Advanced UAV Use: Confirmed deployment of the "Gerbera" type drone in the Kharkiv region, demonstrating the use of diversified and potentially localized drone variants to bypass standard UAF AD profiles. (Belief: 0.821307)
  3. Information Warfare (IO) Integration: Immediate synchronization of large-scale military assaults with highly sensitive disinformation campaigns (e.g., Trump peace plan, casualty inflation).

Intentions (JUDGMENT - HIGH CONFIDENCE): RF intent remains rapid, shallow operational penetration on the Pokrovsk axis to force UAF consumption of tactical reserves. The objective of the concurrent cognitive and aerial fixing operations (Odesa and the new "Gerbera" strike on Kharkiv) is to create a window of opportunity for the mechanized forces to consolidate the breach before UAF reserves can counter-attack effectively.

2.2. Recent Tactical Changes or Adaptations

The confirmed tactical drone strike in Kharkiv (via "Gerbera") confirms the RF intent to maintain AD pressure across multiple, distant sectors simultaneously. This forces a broader commitment of UAF AD resources than previously estimated, complicating the conservation plan for high-value interceptors.

2.3. Logistics and Sustainment Status

RF logistics remain strategically hampered by the Sverdlovsk/Perm rail sabotage. However, tactical logistics supporting the 40th/155th OMBR thrust are currently sustained. Buildup at the 260th Central Rocket Artillery Base continues to be the critical indicator for strategic strike timing.

2.4. Command and Control Effectiveness

RF C2 is assessed as HIGHLY EFFECTIVE in managing synchronized operations across kinetic, aerial, and cognitive domains.


3. FRIENDLY FORCES (Blue Force Tracking)

3.1. Ukrainian Force Posture and Readiness

UAF forces are under severe pressure in Donetsk. The readiness of mobile AD units is critically challenged by the constant requirement to engage disposable UAVs across now three major regions (Odesa, Kharkiv, plus frontline).

3.2. Recent Tactical Successes or Setbacks

Setbacks: The continued need to expend AD interceptors against the high volume of UAVs (Odesa/Kharkiv), reducing strategic reserves for the imminent ballistic threat. The introduction of the "Gerbera" UAV variant creates a new signature analysis challenge. Successes: Northern Sector (Kharkiv) remains stable, with UAF forces maintaining initiative (confirmed capture of RF POWs near Volchansk). Deep-strike operations (Sverdlovsk/Perm) continue to degrade RF strategic logistics.

3.3. Resource Requirements and Constraints

IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENT: Immediate deployment of UAF tactical reserves to the Mirnohrad breach zone. CONSTRAINT: The constant need to balance short-term tactical AD across multiple axes against the overwhelming threat of the imminent strategic ballistic strike.


4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (Cognitive Domain)

4.1. Propaganda and Disinformation Campaigns

ESCALATION (JUDGMENT - HIGH CONFIDENCE): RF-aligned official and open-source channels (TASS/Nebenzya at UNSC) have intensified Information Operations (IO) through the dissemination of:

  1. Mass Casualty Inflation: Claim of transferring "over 20,000 UAF bodies," aimed at maximizing domestic pressure and demoralizing frontline troops during the breach.
  2. Financial Fatalism: RF Representative to the UN (Nebenzya) states that Europe has "run out of money to support Kyiv." This narrative directly targets Western political cohesion and aims to sow doubt regarding long-term materiel support while the kinetic assault is underway.
  3. Domestic Distraction (Noise): TASS reports on minor legislative issues. ANALYSIS: The core IO strategy is confirmed: overload the informational space with high-volume demoralization (casualties), cognitive paralysis (US political intervention theories), and strategic fatalism (Western financial exhaustion) to mask the active kinetic assault in Donetsk.

4.2. Public Sentiment and Morale Factors

RF IO is directly targeting the national will and political leadership during the crisis point, attempting to introduce fatalism via casualty data and distrust via conspiracy and financial exhaustion narratives.

4.3. International Support and Diplomatic Developments

RF diplomatic messaging (UNSC) is aggressively attempting to reframe the conflict as fiscally unsustainable for the West, aiming to complicate future aid packages and pressure for immediate peace negotiations favorable to RF forces consolidating ground in Donetsk.


5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS (Future Operations)

5.1. Most Likely Enemy Courses of Action (MLCOA) - Next 12-24 Hours

(HIGH CONFIDENCE - Exploitation and Preparation)

  1. Breach Stabilization: The 40th/155th OMBR will attempt to solidify a penetration depth of 3-5 km west of Mirnohrad, utilizing engineer assets. If UAF reserves are not committed within 4 hours, RF forces will initiate the second phase of the assault aimed at a secondary objective (e.g., Starobelivka or a flanking maneuver toward Pokrovsk).
  2. GLOC Severing (Confirmed): RF Spetsnaz forces will execute the interdiction plan on the Kostiantynivka GLOC (M-30/T-05-15) within the next 6-12 hours, synchronized with the maximum pressure applied by the mechanized assault.
  3. Strategic Strike Launch Preparation: IMINT will confirm final preparations at the 260th Central Rocket Artillery Base, confirming the launch window of 24-48 hours.

5.2. Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA) - Next 24 Hours

(MEDIUM CONFIDENCE - Operational Encirclement)

  1. Operational Collapse: RF mechanized forces achieve a deep breakthrough (>5km), coinciding with the successful interdiction of the Kostiantynivka GLOC. Ammunition and fuel resupply ceases, forcing an unauthorized or disordered UAF withdrawal from the Pokrovsk salient, creating a major operational vulnerability for the entire eastern front.

5.3. Timeline Estimates and Decision Points

TimeframeEvent/Decision PointTriggering Indicator
0-4 Hours (J3/J7)Reserve Commitment Execution: Final confirmation of UAF tactical reserve commitment to counter-penetration.RF forces begin constructing forward strongpoints (revetted positions, minefield clearing) within the 3km breach zone. (DECISION POINT: Deny RF forces stabilization time.)
4-8 Hours (J4/J2)GLOC Interdiction Initiation: Active contact between UAF GLOC security patrols and RF Spetsnaz/Recce elements.SIGINT spike and/or kinetic reports near M-30/T-05-15, forcing convoy diversion. (DECISION POINT: Execute immediate QRF response and GLOC security sweep.)
12-36 Hours (J2/J7)Strategic Strike Warning: High-resolution IMINT confirms missile launch preparations at the 260th Base (Score 27.87 and rising).Imagery confirms launch vehicle erection or fueling. (DECISION POINT: Nationwide maximum AD alert; dispersal of critical C2/energy assets.)

6. INTELLIGENCE GAPS AND COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS

PriorityGap DescriptionCollection Requirement (CR)Confidence (Pre-Analysis)
CRITICAL - STRIKE CAPABILITY260th GRAU Cargo Characterization: Confirm missile type (Iskander-M vs. Kh-101) to refine strategic target profiles.IMINT/SAR (260th Coords): High-resolution, tasked to estimate crate dimensions and vehicle signatures. (UNSATISFIED - PRIORITY 1)LOW
CRITICAL - TACTICAL AXIS40th OMBR Penetration Force and Depth: Exact quantification of current penetration depth and composition.IMINT/ISR (Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad Breach): Dedicated, continuous EO/IR and UAV focus on the breach zone. (UNSATISFIED - PRIORITY 2)LOW
HIGH - EW/AD THREAT"Gerbera" UAV Signature/Capability: Determine the specific communication/guidance system of the confirmed "Gerbera" UAV variant.SIGINT/TECHINT (Kharkiv/Frontline AD Intercepts): Dedicated collection on the new platform to update AD rules of engagement (ROE). (NEW REQUIREMENT - PRIORITY 3)LOW

7. ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. J3/J7: IMMEDIATE COUNTER-PENETRATION (MISSION PRIORITY ONE).

    • Action: Execute the planned counter-penetration using dedicated tactical reserves now. Focus on isolating RF lead mechanized elements (40th/155th OMBR) using indirect fire and anti-armor assets before they can establish reinforced positions or conduct extensive mine-laying operations.
    • Rationale: Time is the critical variable. Delay increases the cost of future counter-attacks and facilitates the MDCOA.
  2. J2/STRATCOM: IMMEDIATE IO COUNTER-MEASURE.

    • Action: Issue a public rejection of RF casualty figures and Nebenzya's financial fatalism claims, labeling both as direct, synchronized disinformation campaigns designed to support the active assault in Donetsk. Simultaneously, elevate the strategic success of the Sverdlovsk/Perm rail sabotage.
    • Rationale: Directly combat the psychological effect of casualty inflation and restore confidence in UAF strategic effectiveness and Western commitment during the crisis.
  3. Air Force/J4: DYNAMIC AD ALLOCATION AND TECHNICAL UPDATE.

    • Action: Immediately re-task high-volume, short-range mobile AD assets (Gepard/Osa/MANPADS groups) towards the Odesa/Black Sea and Kharkiv areas to manage the multi-axis UAV threat. Crucially, prohibit use of Patriot/NASAMS on these axes. Issue an immediate technical bulletin on the "Gerbera" variant to frontline AD crews and update EW profiles if initial signature data is available.
    • Rationale: Minimize strategic AD expenditure against fixed operations, prioritizing protection against the imminent ballistic threat (24-48 hours). Adapt immediately to the new, diversified tactical drone threat.
  4. J4: GLOC FORCE PROTECTION (INCREASED VULNERABILITY).

    • Action: Immediately transition the Kostiantynivka GLOC (M-30/T-05-15) to full restricted traffic. Deploy QRF teams equipped with Counter-UAS (C-UAS) and Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities to patrol the route corridor specifically to detect and neutralize RF Spetsnaz/Recce elements before they can initiate kinetic action.
    • Rationale: The severity of the ground penetration drastically increases the probability of immediate GLOC interdiction, which must be proactively prevented to maintain operational sustainment.

//END SITREP//

Previous (2025-11-20 23:55:19Z)

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.