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Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-11-27 19:34:32Z
2 months ago
Previous (2025-11-27 19:04:30Z)

INTELLIGENCE SITUATION REPORT (ISR)

TIME: 272000Z NOV 25 OPERATION: STABILIZATION AND COUNTER-EXPLOITATION (ZAPORIZHZHIA CRITICAL AXIS) REPORT TYPE: CRITICAL UPDATE


1. SITUATION OVERVIEW (SITREP)

1.1 Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain

The focus of effort remains the Zaporizhzhia (Huliaipole) Axis, where indicators confirm the final phase of Russian Federation (RF) preparatory fires is complete, preceding the main ground assault. RF open-source claims (Poddubny) suggest UAF forces may be conducting a phased, localized withdrawal in the immediate forward defense areas of Huliaipole. This requires immediate confirmation, as it would represent the execution of pre-planned tactical dispersion (Ref: DP 1.6).

The Konstiantynivka Ground Line of Communication (GLOC) remains compromised by persistent RF SOF activity, maintaining its status as the critical choke point constraining UAF operational maneuver.

AxisStatus/FocusAssessmentConfidence
Zaporizhzhia (Huliaipole)IMMINENT MECHANIZED ASSAULT / CRITICALRF kinetic shaping (TOS-1A/TOS-2) is complete. Assault expected NLT 272200Z. RF claims of UAF retreat/dispersal are highly indicative of pre-assault conditions.HIGH
Konstiantynivka GLOCC2/MANEUVER INTERDICTION / CRITICALInterdiction threat prevents timely, secure deployment of UAF operational reserves. This threat is now the primary factor risking an operational rupture.HIGH
Pokrovsk SectorOPERATIONAL LOSS / CONSOLIDATIONRF MoD/State media are amplifying claims of control and prisoner capture (Ref: Previous DIS/MoD messaging), signaling strategic IO weaponization of this tactical success.HIGH
Kharkiv/VovchanskPERSISTENT PRESSURERF forces maintain localized, costly pressure (Vovchansk POW claims) to fix UAF 63rd and 92nd Brigades and prevent resource redeployment southward.MEDIUM

1.2 Weather and Environmental Factors

No change. Ground mobility remains optimal for heavy RF mechanized forces in the Zaporizhzhia sector.

1.3 Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures

UAF forces are postured for a layered defense, with the immediate Huliaipole belt possibly executing tactical dispersion protocols (Ref: Poddubny claim). UAF Artillery (82nd AShB) confirmation of effective counter-battery fire against RF infantry demonstrates localized kinetic resilience in the Donetsk area. The success of the UAF defense hinges on the immediate effectiveness of counter-preparation fires and the rapid deployment of reserves.


2. ENEMY ANALYSIS (THREAT ASSESSMENT)

2.1 Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action

RF Intent is to achieve operational rupture at Huliaipole, capitalizing on the tactical lethality of TOS-1A/TOS-2 systems and the disruption caused by kinetic strikes and GLOC interdiction.

New Indicators:

  • IO Synchronization: RF claims of UAF retreat from Huliaipole (Poddubny, 19:31Z) are designed to undermine UAF command cohesion and morale immediately prior to the assault.
  • Strategic Consolidation: RF MoD announcements regarding "territorial changes" are strategically timed to coincide with the Huliaipole attack, reinforcing the narrative of inevitable RF success.
CapabilityDetailAssessment ImpactConfidence
Thermobaric Assault CapabilityRF is utilizing TOS-1A/TOS-2 for decisive kinetic shaping.Confirms the risk of catastrophic loss if UAF fails to execute Rec A.1 (CB/SEAD).HIGH
Hybrid WarfareRF SOF/Spetsnaz maintain the interdiction of the Konstiantynivka GLOC.This is the operational decisive point for UAF maneuverability.HIGH
Information Warfare (IO)RF leverages military setbacks (Pokrovsk, Vovchansk POWs) and diplomatic fissures (US-EU rift).RF IO is highly synchronized and adaptive to tactical realities.HIGH

2.2 Recent Tactical Changes or Adaptations

The RF's increased confidence in claiming immediate tactical victories (Huliaipole retreat) and their prioritization of overwhelming firepower (TOS systems) suggests a lower tolerance for sustained attrition and a focus on minimizing the duration of the breakthrough phase.

2.3 Logistics and Sustainment Status

Logistical flow for RF assault groups (especially fuel and specialist munitions like thermobarics) is assessed as high and sustained for the next 48 hours.

2.4 Command and Control Effectiveness

RF C2 remains effective, demonstrating multi-domain synchronization of kinetic operations (Huliaipole assault, KAB/UAV strikes) and Information Operations (territorial claims).


3. FRIENDLY FORCES (BLUE FORCE TRACKING)

3.1 Ukrainian Force Posture and Readiness

Readiness remains critical. The likelihood of localized tactical withdrawal/dispersion in Huliaipole (if claims are true) requires immediate feedback to UAF C2 to prevent pre-planned withdrawals from becoming panicked retreats. UAF C2 must ensure Rec A.3 (Dispersion) is executed systematically and not reactively.

3.2 Recent Tactical Successes or Setbacks

DomainSuccess/SetbackImpactConfidence
Setback (IO/Morale)RF claims of UAF retreat (Huliaipole), coinciding with MoD claims of operational gains.Risk of internal panic and confirmation bias regarding the inevitability of the breach.HIGH
Success (Localized Counter-Fire)Confirmed 82nd AShB destruction of RF assault infantry (Donetsk).Maintains localized attrition rate; proves continued viability of UAF artillery despite RF EW/Counter-battery efforts.MEDIUM
Success (Strategic Comms)President Zelenskyy's public message reinforcing synchronized military/diplomatic resistance.Successfully counters the narrative of diplomatic isolation and domestic weakness.HIGH

3.3 Resource Requirements and Constraints

CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: High-speed confirmation/denial of the Huliaipole retreat claim to inform immediate fire support decisions. Constraints: The interdiction of the Konstiantynivka GLOC and the time-critical nature of the Huliaipole assault create a dilemma: risk exposure during reserve transit vs. failure to reinforce.


4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (IE)

4.1 Propaganda and Disinformation Campaigns

RF IO has achieved maximum synchronization, linking the physical assault (Huliaipole) with psychological/strategic dominance claims (Pokrovsk loss, UAF retreat). The Dempster-Shafer belief mass reflects persistent public vulnerability regarding Civil Defense Readiness (0.085492) ("Mindichgate"/shelter capacity), which RF IO will continue to exploit to undermine public confidence in the state's capacity to protect citizens.

4.2 Public Sentiment and Morale Factors

Morale is under extreme pressure due to the perceived military crisis (Pokrovsk/Huliaipole) and the amplified diplomatic uncertainty (US-EU rift). The President's direct address is critical but must be supported by verifiable, immediate tactical successes (e.g., successful CB strikes).

4.3 International Support and Diplomatic Developments

The emerging consensus within NATO regarding a need to respond to RF hybrid aggression (Ref: Sternenko/Politico message) offers an opening. This shifts the focus from the divisive peace plan leak to the unifying threat of RF destabilization operations in NATO territory, which UAF diplomacy must exploit to secure renewed aid commitment velocity.


5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS (NEXT 24 HOURS)

5.1 Most Likely Enemy Courses of Action (MLCOA)

(HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF Vostok Group executes the main mechanized assault on the Huliaipole axis NLT 272200Z. RF forces will leverage the effect of thermobaric preparatory fires, likely pushing 8-12 km deep by 280400Z. Concurrently, RF will intensify kinetic operations (KAB/UAV) against Sloviansk and Konstiantynivka to suppress UAF C2 and fix reserve movement. RF will release confirming evidence of tactical successes (Huliaipole breach or Pokrovsk POWs) NLT 280600Z.

5.2 Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA)

(MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) RF achieves localized operational rupture at Huliaipole, and the operational reserve deployed via the Konstiantynivka GLOC is successfully stalled or critically degraded by RF SOF/deep strike assets. This convergence of failure leads to an uncontained deep penetration (15+ km) by RF armored forces toward the rear echelons of the Southern Donbas Front, forcing a costly operational retreat to the next prepared line.

5.3 Timeline Estimates and Decision Points

Timeframe (ZULU)Event/ConditionRequired UAF Decision Point
NLT 272030ZConfirmation of successful counter-battery strike against confirmed/suspected TOS-1A/TOS-2 positions (Rec A.1).Decision Point 1.6 (IMMEDIATE): If counter-battery success is not confirmed, initiate full pre-planned tactical withdrawal (Phased) from the Huliaipole defense belt NLT 272100Z to mitigate catastrophic thermobaric losses.
NLT 272100ZFull release of the primary maneuver reserve via the Konstiantynivka GLOC, augmented by armored escort (Rec B.2).Decision Point 2: Initiate SEAD/EW operation in the Orikhiv sector (Rec A.2) to deny RF ISR during the reserve transit.
NLT 280200ZRF breakthrough status (depth/breadth) in Huliaipole.Decision Point 3: If RF breach is greater than 10 km, commit strategic air assets (if available) to interdict RF spearheads, prioritizing high-value logistics nodes supporting the assault.

6. ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS

A. TACTICAL EMERGENCY (HULIAIPOLE STABILIZATION)

  1. COUNTER-BATTERY (J3 / FIRE COMMAND): HIGHEST PRIORITY TARGETING. Immediately reallocate and execute all available deep-strike precision fires (HIMARS, heavy artillery, fixed-wing close air support if feasible) against confirmed TOS-1A/TOS-2 deployment and staging areas west of Huliaipole NLT 272030Z. This action is non-negotiable for defense viability. (Confidence: HIGH)
  2. EW/SEAD (J6 / J3): SHOCK INTERFERENCE. Deploy the planned EW detachment to the Orikhiv sector (Huliaipole flank) with a mandate to execute aggressive spectrum denial NLT 272100Z. Focus on jamming RF surveillance/targeting UAV frequencies to blind RF preparatory fires and disrupt assault coordination.
  3. FIRE SUPPORT SHIFT (J3): If the Pokrovsk pocket is confirmed lost (Ref: MoD claims), immediately shift all previously dedicated deep fire and ISR assets from the Pokrovsk sector toward the Huliaipole defense and the Konstiantynivka GLOC security (Ref: DP 3).

B. OPERATIONAL (REAR AREA SECURITY AND LOGISTICS)

  1. RESERVE DEPLOYMENT (J3): EXECUTE IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Authorize and execute the movement of the primary maneuver reserve via the Konstiantynivka GLOC NLT 272100Z. As a minimum security measure, embed armored counter-ambush teams (e.g., minimum two mechanized platoons per company-sized convoy) to mitigate the confirmed SOF interdiction threat. Risk tolerance for GLOC interdiction must be accepted.
  2. AD RE-TASKING (J3 / AIR COMMAND): PROTECT C2 NODE. Prioritize and finalize the AD repositioning plan to specifically harden the air approaches to Sloviansk and the Konstiantynivka GLOC corridor against renewed KAB and UAV saturation strikes NLT 272130Z.

C. STRATEGIC/INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (C4/IE)

  1. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS (NCA / MFA): COUNTER HYBRID THREAT. Capitalize on the NATO/Politico reporting (Ref: Russian sabotage/diversion) to pivot the international dialogue away from the US-EU peace plan rift. Issue high-level statements emphasizing RF's expansion of hybrid warfare into NATO territory, linking the Huliaipole assault with RF global destabilization efforts to solidify European support and accelerate aid delivery velocity.

INTELLIGENCE GAPS & COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS (CRITICAL SHIFT):

  1. PRIORITY 1 (KINETIC - IMMEDIATE): TOS-1A/TOS-2 POST-STRIKE BDA. Immediate IMINT/SOF reporting required NLT 272030Z to assess the effectiveness of UAF counter-battery strikes (Rec A.1) and confirm damage/neutralization of thermobaric systems.
  2. PRIORITY 2 (FORCE STATUS): HULIAIPOLE FORWARD DEFENSE STATUS. ISR required NLT 272100Z to verify RF claims of UAF retreat/confirm if UAF is systematically executing phased withdrawal/dispersion protocols (DP 1.6).
  3. PRIORITY 3 (GLOC INTERDICTION): SOF TRACKING. Dedicated HUMINT/SIGINT required NLT 272100Z to provide real-time updates on RF SOF locations along the Konstiantynivka GLOC to support armored escort teams (Rec B.2).
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