Archived operational intelligence briefing
The operational picture is characterized by RF kinetic pressure across three key axes: Zaporizhzhia (Main Effort), Pokrovsk (Exploitation), and the strategic depth (AD/Logistics nodes).
FACT: Emergency power outages confirmed in Sumy, Poltava, and Kharkiv Oblasts. (Source: Ukrenergo/Local authorities, 2709:32Z) JUDGMENT: RF aims to systematically degrade C2 and logistics resilience in the operational rear to support ground advances on the Pokrovsk and Zaporizhzhia axes. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
Clear, cold conditions persist, enabling high-altitude kinetic strikes. The confirmed energy disruption introduces significant operational friction across the command chain in Eastern and Central Ukraine.
UAF forces are focused on containment at Huliaipole and implementing Fragmented Defense Protocols (FDP) west of Pokrovsk. AD prioritization is strained by the need to cover both the immediate strategic strike threat (Tu-22M3) and the expanded area of infrastructure vulnerability (Sumy/Poltava).
RF intent remains the operational exploitation of the Zaporizhzhia breach, buttressed by strategic messaging and deep kinetic strikes designed to induce C2 paralysis.
RF logistics demonstrate resilience, supported by continued strategic alliances (CSTO meeting). However, internal strain is visible: a pro-Russian serviceman complaint regarding wounded personnel being charged with AWOL (2709:08Z) indicates persistent systemic failure in rear area personnel management and support. (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE JUDGMENT)
RF maintains effective synchronization of operations: ground advances (Dimitrov, Vasyukovka) are covered by coordinated IO campaigns, and deep strikes (Tu-22M3, infrastructure attacks) are designed to preempt UAF C2 response.
AD readiness remains high, as evidenced by the UAF Air Force warning (2709:06Z). However, C2 redundancy in the operational rear (Poltava/Sumy) is temporarily degraded by the confirmed power outages. Force posture on the Zaporizhzhia axis is critically exposed due to the lack of a confirmed strategic reserve force.
RF IO is centered on three themes: 1) Strategic Intimidation: Amplifying fears of RF missile production tempo and hinting at aggressive European cyber operations/drills (2709:04Z, 2709:06Z). 2) Normalization/De-escalation Narrative: Lukashenko’s claim that the conflict is near an end (2709:28Z) attempts to reduce Western resolve and suggest negotiation is imminent, coinciding with battlefield gains. 3) Alliance Strength: Highlighting CSTO military cohesion (2709:30Z) and cultural alignment (DPRK language program, 2709:26Z).
UAF StratCom is effectively utilizing documentation of RF war crimes (Kharkiv Prosecutor's Office, 2709:26Z) to maintain domestic resolve. Public sentiment is generally sustained by resilience messaging and continued citizen fundraising, but the widespread power outages may introduce localized friction points.
Geopolitical signals indicate increased Western consideration of proactive measures against RF hybrid operations (cyber, border drills). The economic support provided by the EC to Baltic states (2709:06Z) confirms continued Western commitment to resisting RF destabilization, even if sanctions carry a cost.
RF will execute the deep kinetic strike NLT 271200Z, specifically targeting logistics and energy transmission infrastructure in the Poltava/Kremenchuk area to maximize the effect of current power failures. On the ground, RF forces will continue local tactical consolidation around Dimitrov and maintain high-tempo pressure on Huliaipole to force the deployment of remaining UAF reserves. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
The strategic AD net fails to neutralize the Tu-22M3 strike, resulting in a successful kinetic impact on a critical Poltava/Dnipro logistics or C2 hub, compounded by the existing power failures. Simultaneously, the lack of strategic reserves allows RF forces to achieve a confirmed operational breakthrough and exploitation maneuver past Huliaipole into the Dnipropetrovsk region, forcing a strategic retreat across the entire southern front. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
| Event | Estimated Timeline (NLT) | Confidence | Status/Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huliaipole Reserve Commitment | 271030Z | HIGH | CRITICAL DECISION POINT (J3): Immediate confirmation/committal of strategic reserve is overdue. If not confirmed, preparation for controlled withdrawal must commence immediately. |
| AD Deployment/Power Redundancy | 271130Z | HIGH | DECISION POINT 2 (AD/LOG COMMAND): AD Command must fully implement airspace denial over Poltava. Logistics must deploy emergency power generation to Poltava C2/Logistics Nodes. |
| Tu-22M3 Strike Window Closes | 271200Z | HIGH | AD systems remain at maximum alert until strike verification. |
| RF Dimitrov Consolidation | 272200Z | MEDIUM | RF will likely attempt a full clearance of Dimitrov/immediate push toward the next defense line. |
| Priority | Gap/Requirement | Confidence | Tasking Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (CRITICAL) | IMINT/SIGINT Confirmation of RF presence in Dnipropetrovsk administrative border areas (deep penetration claim). | HIGH | Essential for defining the immediate defensive line and preventing strategic surprise (R-2.2). |
| 2 (CRITICAL) | Status and confirmed ETA of the replacement strategic reserve force (CONPLAN OMEGA). | HIGH | Required for preventing MDCOA realization at Huliaipole (R-2.1). |
| 3 (HIGH) | Confirmed target set and flight path of the Tu-22M3 sortie from Olenya. | HIGH | Essential for effective strategic AD resource allocation (R-1.1). |
| 4 (MEDIUM) | Verification of RF force commitment/size used in the capture of Dimitrov buildings to estimate follow-on exploitation potential. | MEDIUM | Required for stabilizing the Pokrovsk-Dimitrov line (R-2.2). |
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