Archived operational intelligence briefing
DTG: 240619Z NOV 25 REPORTING PERIOD: 240600Z NOV 25 – 240619Z NOV 25 OPERATIONAL AXES: POKROVSK (MAIN EFFORT) / KHARKIV-VOVCHANSK (SHAPING EFFORT) OVERALL THREATCON: CAT-3 (C2 FRAGMENTATION/RESOURCE DIVERSION: CRITICAL)
The operational environment is characterized by the convergence of kinetic crises on the Pokrovsk axis and a rapidly escalating, coordinated multi-domain effort by the Russian Federation (RF) to force Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) reserve dissipation via the Kharkiv/Vovchansk vector, synchronized with continued high-level Information Operations (IO). The critical decision remains the timely, secure commitment of Plan 7-B MOD reserves to the Pokrovsk axis, despite deliberate RF efforts to distract the Command Authority.
No change. Clear conditions favor continued ISR missions and aviation support for RF maneuver elements in both the Pokrovsk and Kharkiv areas. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
FACT: UAF C2 is confirming the propagation of reports (via TASS) that emergency reinforcement is underway in Vovchansk (D-S belief 0.67). JUDGMENT: This suggests UAF forces are either reacting to genuine RF pressure in the Vovchansk area or the RF IO campaign is successfully framing UAF internal planning. The primary risk is the strategic dissipation of Plan 7-B MOD reserves due to competing crises. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
CAPABILITY: RF has demonstrated capability to simultaneously run high-level strategic deception ("Geneva"), operational PSYOPS (Pokrovsk "Cauldron"), and kinetic shaping operations (Vovchansk narrative). INTENTION: The RF intention is now refined: Force the strategic delay or diversion of Plan 7-B MOD reserves. This is achieved by:
Recent Tactical Changes or Adaptations: The RF has adapted the "Geneva Peace Framework" IO by introducing conflicting reports: RF sources claim failure/disagreement (Operatsiya Z 06:04Z), while UAF-aligned media (RBK 06:12Z) asserts successful adjustments. JUDGMENT: This creates deliberate strategic ambiguity, preventing the UAF NCA from issuing a clean, decisive denial and maximizing decision paralysis. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
No significant changes observed since the Kstovo strike. RF logistics are supporting offensive efforts on at least two axes (Pokrovsk and the emergent Kharkiv threat). (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM)
RF C2 is highly effective and synchronized. Evidence includes the simultaneous deployment of high-level diplomatic messaging (TASS/Bloomberg on US-RF meetings and US demands, 06:03Z, 06:14Z) alongside military blogger synchronization (Kotsnews, Colonelcassad, Rybar analysis of Seversk/Vovchansk). This suggests a centralized, dynamic IO command structure. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
POSTURE: UAF forces are reacting defensively to perceived or real threats on the Kharkiv axis, evidenced by the high D-S score and TASS reporting (06:01Z). The overall operational posture remains severely hampered by the strategic dilemma: commit forces to critical Pokrovsk or react to the emergent Vovchansk crisis. READINESS: Tactical readiness remains adequate, but strategic readiness is compromised by the C2 threat and resource constraints.
SUCCESSES: UAF Strategic Communications (STRATCOM) attempted to counter the "Geneva" failure narrative by quickly circulating reports of successful adjustments (RBK 06:12Z). SETBACKS: The RF has successfully forced the UAF command to divert analytical and/or physical resources toward the Vovchansk crisis point, diluting the focus on the Pokrovsk main effort. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: Immediate, unambiguous clarity on the status and location of Plan 7-B MOD reserves. These reserves must be insulated from the IO surrounding both Pokrovsk ("Cauldron") and the new Kharkiv narratives. CONSTRAINT: The apparent inability to verify the status of the NLT 240000Z ballistic strike results in persistent AD and C2 dispersion, preventing optimized asset allocation.
The IO focus is three-fold, targeting UAF strategic capacity:
The introduction of contradictory "Geneva" narratives (failure vs. success) risks fracturing trust in both official UAF sources and Western media, leading to general strategic cynicism and potential internal friction within the military ranks regarding the purpose of continued fighting. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM)
RF proxies are actively promoting the narrative of US dominance in peace talks, suggesting the US is forcing Ukraine to accept a plan as "the basis for negotiations" (TASS 06:14Z). This aims to portray Ukraine as a non-sovereign actor being manipulated into concessions. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
The RF is currently maximizing the effects of the IO distraction to facilitate the kinetic objective at Pokrovsk.
(HIGH CONFIDENCE)
(HIGH CONFIDENCE) The UAF Command, reacting to the high volume of critical reporting on Kharkiv, divers or splits Plan 7-B MOD reserves, sending a significant portion north. Simultaneously, the core RF kinetic force at Pokrovsk achieves physical interdiction of the M-30/T-05-15, effectively cutting off forward units. The fragmented Plan 7-B MOD proves insufficient to stabilize either front, leading to operational breakthroughs in both areas.
| Timeframe | Event/Decision Point | Triggering Indicator | Status/Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMMEDIATE | Plan 7-B MOD Commitment Confirmation. | Confirmation of physical reserve movement past Dobropillia AO. | Decision Point: J3 must confirm Plan 7-B MOD remains focused on Pokrovsk and is not redirected by Vovchansk pressure. |
| 240630Z - 240830Z | Kharkiv Assessment Deadline. | Confirmed presence or absence of major RF ground formations (BATTALION level or higher) in the Vovchansk sector. | Decision Point: Failure to confirm RF major formation presence suggests the Vovchansk event is primarily an IO/Shaping operation. |
| 240800Z - 241000Z | Rodynske Security Status. | Confirmation that UAF forces are successfully repelling attempts to hold the M-30 GLOC. | Decision Point: If RF hold persists, immediate air/artillery interdiction remains mandatory (referencing previous J-FIRE mandate). |
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) | Confidence (Analysis) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRITICAL (1) | BDA of Anticipated Ballistic Strike (NLT 240000Z). Confirmation if the massed ballistic strike occurred and assessment of damage to C2 nodes in Dnipropetrovsk/Zaporizhzhia. | IMINT/BDA: Immediate review of all post-0000Z 24 NOV ISR data for high-value C2 sites. Tasking of OSINT/HUMINT to confirm air raid alerts/impacts. | HIGH |
| CRITICAL (2) | Vovchansk Force Confirmation. Confirmation of the scale, intent, and composition of RF forces actively engaged in the Vovchansk/Velykyi Burluk sector. | ISR/SIGINT: Focused collection on suspected RF forward operating bases (FOBs) in the immediate border region North/East of Vovchansk. | HIGH |
| PRIORITY (3) | Source and Vector of Geneva Leak. Identification of the specific channel (e.g., deep fake, compromised diplomatic OSINT) that introduced the original "Geneva Peace Framework." | CEWI/STRATCOM: Continuation of trace and source verification of the original 05:23Z message and subsequent amplification. | HIGH |
The immediate objective is to stabilize C2 through IO inoculation and ensure Plan 7-B MOD reaches the Pokrovsk axis without diversion.
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS (STRATCOM / NCA): HARMONIZE GENEVA NARRATIVE.
MANEUVER PROTECTION (J3 / J4): POKROVSK PRIORITY ASSERTION.
INTELLIGENCE DISCIPLINE (G2): IMMEDIATE STRIKE BDA CONFIRMATION.
OPERATIONAL DECEPTION (J3 / STRATCOM): COUNTER-DECEPTION.
//END SITREP//
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