Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 271845Z NOV 25 OPERATION: STABILIZATION AND COUNTER-EXPLOITATION (Southern and Eastern Axes)
The focus remains on stabilizing the uncontained breach in the Zaporizhzhia (Huliaipole) axis. The immediate coordinated deep kinetic threat against Odesa/Mykolaiv has temporarily subsided (Ballistic Threat Abatement confirmed 18:18Z), offering a brief window for UAF AD reconfiguration. The Konstiantynivka GLOC remains the single point of failure for operational reserve deployment, confirmed by successful RF Spetsnaz interdiction (Lt. Col. Zhuravel loss). RF kinetic pressure remains high on the Kharkiv/Vovchansk sector, utilizing high volumes of FAB-UMPK guided bombs (Confirmed Vilcha strikes).
| Axis | Status/Focus | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Zaporizhzhia (Huliaipole) | UNCONTAINED BREACH / CRITICAL | HIGH |
| Konstiantynivka GLOC | C2 INTERDICTION / CRITICAL | HIGH |
| Odesa/Mykolaiv Rear | BALLISTIC THREAT ABATED (TEMPORARY) | HIGH |
| Kharkiv (Vilcha) | FIXING OPERATION (FAB-UMPK SATURATION) | HIGH |
Ground mobility remains highly conducive to RF mechanized exploitation. Airspace remains contested by drones across the front, requiring decentralized C-UAS assets (Confirmed RF success near Orikhiv).
UAF forces are in a reactive, ad-hoc blocking posture in Zaporizhzhia. The successful abatement of the deep ballistic threat provides an immediate opportunity to execute planned AD re-tasking (Ref: Prev. ISR Rec B.4) without high kinetic exposure. Low-level unit logistics and reconnaissance asset provision (UAS) remain a critical constraint (Ref: 72 OMBr appeal).
RF intent is to accelerate the Huliaipole breach into an operational rupture before UAF reserves can be fully committed via the compromised Konstiantynivka route.
| Capability | Detail | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| C-UAS Protection | Confirmed presence and effectiveness of dedicated RF C-UAS assets ("Phoenix" crew near Orikhiv), protecting the advance spearhead. | HIGH |
| Precision Kinetic Saturation | Sustained and effective use of FAB-500 UMPK (glide bombs) against UAF operational strongpoints (Vilcha, Kharkiv axis), designed to fix Northern UAF units. | HIGH |
| Deep Strike Coordination (Phased) | The initial coordinated ballistic strike phase has concluded. RF is likely repositioning assets, indicating the deep strike capability is integrated into a phased assault schedule to disrupt specific UAF reaction windows. | MEDIUM |
RF adaptation involves tighter integration of frontline electronic warfare (EW) and C-UAS to suppress Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance directly supporting the Huliaipole defensive line. This directly exacerbates the UAF's acknowledged UAS/reconnaissance gaps.
RF operational logistics are confirmed optimized for exploitation (Mangas/UGV). Strategic logistics supporting the AD/EW umbrella (1488th Regiment) remain robust, allowing RF to simultaneously prosecute two major kinetic efforts (Huliaipole ground, Kharkiv/Vilcha air).
RF Supreme Command maintains effective strategic sequencing. Localized C2 confusion regarding the Belgorod internet outage is observed but has no discernible impact on frontline operational C2.
Posture remains critical in Zaporizhzhia, requiring immediate external reinforcement. The reliance on public fundraising for mission-critical reconnaissance assets (72 OMBr, TEIWAZ Group) indicates systemic acquisition failure or extreme delays at the operational level for low-value, high-impact equipment. This must be addressed institutionally.
| Domain | Success/Setback | Impact | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setback (Logistics/Recon) | Critical funding appeals for frontline UAS (72 OMBr). | Immediate degradation of ISR capability directly over the advancing RF spearhead, increasing risk to UAF forces. | HIGH |
| Success (AD Status) | Abatement of ballistic threat. | Opportunity to safely re-task AD assets to protect critical C2/Logistics nodes from the expected second wave of deep strikes. | HIGH |
| Success (Localized Action) | Successful combat actions confirmed by publicly-funded groups (TEIWAZ). | Confirms high effectiveness of decentralized, well-equipped small units. | HIGH |
The most critical constraint is the speed of reserve deployment combined with the deficit in timely, granular frontline reconnaissance. These two factors amplify the threat of the Huliaipole breach exponentially.
RF IO is currently engaged in a dual-narrative weaponization:
President Zelenskyy’s recent address, emphasizing the balance between defense and diplomatic engagement (18:14Z), attempts to manage domestic and international expectations regarding the "peace plan" discussions. However, ongoing public fundraising appeals undermine the narrative of effective state logistical provision.
The EU Parliament’s move toward utilizing frozen Russian assets is a positive long-term financial indicator (Dempster-Shafer 0.028217). Kyiv must rapidly leverage this European institutional commitment (Ref: Sanctions Summit momentum) to ensure military aid flows immediately to stabilize the Huliaipole crisis.
(HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF Vostok Group will continue exploitation of the Huliaipole breach, aiming to reach the key high ground 10-15 km in depth NLT 280600Z. The relative silence in deep strikes is assessed as a preparatory pause. RF will initiate a renewed, coordinated deep strike campaign (ballistics/loitering munitions) targeting Konstiantynivka GLOC and major C2 nodes NLT 272300Z, coinciding with the window for UAF reserve mobilization (Decision Point 2). RF IO will maintain maximum pressure regarding Pokrovsk/peace talks.
(MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) Unchanged: RF forces breach the 15 km threshold at Huliaipole, establishing direct fires on a critical north-south GLOC, compelling UAF operational commanders to order a broad, unplanned withdrawal along the Southern Donbas Front. Concurrently, RF EW assets achieve operational dominance over the battlefield, rendering UAF reconnaissance drones and C2 ineffective in the breach zone.
| Timeframe (ZULU) | Event/Condition | Required UAF Decision Point |
|---|---|---|
| NLT 272000Z | Confirmation of execution of Counter-Interdiction (Rec B.3) on Konstiantynivka GLOC and AD re-tasking (Rec B.4). | Decision Point 1.5 (IMMEDIATE): Divert the most combat-ready SOF team from the Konstiantynivka hunt to escort the advance guard of the primary maneuver reserve. |
| NLT 272300Z | RF resumes deep strike/EW activity targeting UAF rear areas and GLOCs. | Decision Point 2: If the initial interdiction fails to slow RF tempo, release the final strategic maneuver reserve to establish the Provisional Blocking Position (PBP) 7km behind the current line, as previously planned. |
| NLT 280400Z | Confirmation of RF success/failure in securing high-value terrain 10km deep (Huliaipole). | Decision Point 3: If terrain is lost, initiate planned tactical counter-attack (Task Force T-HUL) using local reserves NLT 280900Z to prevent establishment of RF lodgment. |
CONFIDENCE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY:
INTELLIGENCE GAPS & COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS (CRITICAL SHIFT):
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