Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 272035Z NOV 25 OPERATION: CRITICAL DEFENSE / ZAPORIZHZHIA AXIS (HULIAIPOLE) REPORT TYPE: IMMEDIATE CRISIS UPDATE // MITIGATION PHASE
The operational picture remains dominated by the imminent RF mechanized assault on the Zaporizhzhia (Huliaipole) Axis. The pre-assault kinetic shaping phase is complete.
The critical window for UAF counter-preparation fires (Rec A.1 from 2015Z report) against RF Thermobaric assets (TOS-2) has closed (NLT 272030Z). UAF forward elements must now transition from disruption efforts to survival and systematic dispersion (DP 1.6).
In the Pokrovsk/Krasnoarmeysky Axis, RF forces are confirming occupation and control, evidenced by the deployment of specialized NBC robotic complexes ("Kurier"), suggesting preparation for protracted consolidation and counter-cleanup operations.
| Axis | Status/Focus | Assessment | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zaporizhzhia (Huliaipole) | ASSAULT PENDING / MITIGATION PHASE | Assault confirmed NLT 272200Z. The TOS-2 threat is now assumed to be kinetic and ready for engagement. | HIGH |
| Konstiantynivka GLOC | RESERVE INTERDICTION / CRITICAL RISK | UAF maneuver reserve deployment remains the operational decisive factor. SOF interdiction must be managed as the reserve moves. | HIGH |
| Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysky) | CONSOLIDATION & EXPLOITATION | RF utilizing advanced ground robotics (Kurier) to secure the breached area. UAF must shift focus to containment and preventing further collapse. | HIGH |
No changes. Ground mobility remains optimal for heavy RF mechanized forces. Continued KAB launches reported into Donetsk region (20:27Z).
UAF Air Force issued a general "Attention" warning (20:11Z), reflecting high threat awareness. The shift in RF aerial tactics—utilizing Shahed-type drones for Air-to-Air (A2A) hunting of UAF aircraft/helicopters (20:15Z)—is a critical, immediate new constraint on UAF aerial reconnaissance and close air support (CAS) efforts across all axes.
RF Intent remains achieving rapid operational rupture at Huliaipole.
KEY ADAPTATION (AERIAL): RF is confirmed to be using Shahed-type UAVs in an A2A role targeting UAF fixed-wing and rotary assets. JUDGMENT: This capability is designed to degrade UAF air superiority/ISR platforms, especially during the critical ground assault phase, and significantly raises the risk profile for UAF aircraft operating near the LOC. (Belief: 0.104379)
KEY ADAPTATION (GROUND): Deployment of specialized "Kurier" NBC (Radiation, Chemical, Biological) robotic complexes in the Krasnoarmeysky (Pokrovsk) direction. JUDGMENT: This signals RF operational confidence in securing the sector and prepares the ground for either mine clearance, fortification, or potential future use of non-conventional weapons requiring NBC troop support. (Belief: 0.018575)
| Capability | Detail | Assessment Impact | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermobaric Assault (TOS-2) | Assumed operational readiness following the 20:30Z counter-battery failure window. | Immediate catastrophic risk to UAF concentrated formations at Huliaipole. | HIGH |
| Adaptive Aerial Tactics (A2A) | Use of Shaheds to hunt UAF air assets. | Severe constraint on UAF CAS and ISR coverage required to support the Huliaipole defense and protect the Konstiantynivka GLOC transit. | HIGH |
| Technological Projection | Kurier robotics deployment (Pokrovsk). | Confirms RF is now consolidating, not retreating, from the Pokrovsk pocket and potentially hardening the area technologically. | MEDIUM |
The shift to A2A Shahed employment is the most significant tactical change, aimed at blinding and suppressing UAF support during the Huliaipole breach.
RF state media (via milblogger commentary) is amplifying the claim that Russia is building missiles faster than it expends them, reinforcing a narrative of long-term strategic superiority and inexhaustible resources. This is a deliberate IO effort targeting Western decision-makers.
RF C2 remains effective, linking kinetic operations (Huliaipole), technological projection (Kurier), and strategic IO (missile stockpiling).
Readiness remains high, but mission risk has escalated due to the assumption of surviving TOS-2 systems and the new, severe aerial threat from Shahed A2A hunting. UAF deep strike activity against RF/occupied territories (20:08Z claim) indicates a proportional response in the deep strike domain.
The expiration of the counter-battery window (20:30Z) without confirmed BDA is an operational setback, increasing the predicted immediate attrition rate at Huliaipole.
CRITICAL CONSTRAINT: UAF air assets must immediately adapt their flight profiles and supporting EW/AD coverage to mitigate the Shahed A2A threat. This is a time-sensitive requirement to protect CAS/ISR platforms critical for managing the Huliaipole crisis and the Konstiantynivka GLOC transit.
RF IO aggressively pursues themes of:
UAF leadership executed a diplomatic shift (Serbia Ambassador, 20:04Z), intended to project strategic statecraft. UAF deep strike claims (20:08Z) provide a necessary counter-narrative of offensive capability. Fundraising appeals (20:11Z) reflect sustained domestic resource mobilization efforts.
The strategic focus has shifted to the Balkans with the appointment of a high-level official as Ambassador to Serbia. JUDGMENT: This likely represents a coordinated effort to counter RF influence in a volatile, strategically important region where RF leverages historical and religious ties to undermine European and NATO stability.
(HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF Vostok Group initiates the mechanized assault on the Huliaipole axis NLT 272200Z. Due to the assumed survival of TOS-2 systems, the initial kinetic impact will be severe. The immediate challenge for UAF forces will be executing systematic dispersion (DP 1.6) under fire while the main reserve (moving via Konstiantynivka GLOC) attempts to close the gap. RF air defense and Shahed A2A platforms will actively seek to deny UAF reconnaissance and air cover during this phase.
(HIGH CONFIDENCE - Increased Probability) A successful RF breakthrough at Huliaipole (due to concentrated TOS-2 fires preventing DP 1.6 execution) coincides with a successful RF SOF/drone interdiction along the Konstiantynivka GLOC, crippling the UAF reserve. The uncontained breach (15+ km deep) forces a rapid, uncontrolled operational retreat, potentially exposing the entire eastern flank of the Zaporizhzhia front.
| Timeframe (ZULU) | Event/Condition | Required UAF Decision Point |
|---|---|---|
| NLT 272045Z | BDA on TOS-2 systems is still unconfirmed (P1 Gap persists). | Decision Point 1.6 (IMMEDIATE - CRISIS): Commanders at Huliaipole must operate under the assumption of 100% TOS-2 capability and initiate full, rapid execution of pre-planned dispersion protocols (DP 1.6). Survival is the priority. |
| NLT 272100Z | Reserve movement confirmed underway via Konstiantynivka GLOC (Rec B.4 from 2015Z report). | Decision Point 2: Initiate Tier 1 (Priority) Air Defense/EW measures specifically focused on suppressing Shahed A2A attempts against UAF air support and ground C2 nodes supporting the reserve transit. |
| NLT 272200Z | RF main assault wave initiates contact in Huliaipole sector. | Decision Point 3 (Fire Support Adjustment): Shift all remaining deep strike assets (HIMARS, etc.) from static RF assembly areas to dynamic interdiction of RF command vehicles (Krasnoarmeysky/Huliaipole link-up) and logistics columns attempting to exploit the breach. |
INTELLIGENCE GAPS & COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS (CRITICAL SHIFT):
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