INTELLIGENCE SITUATION REPORT (SITREP) - OPERATIONAL FIXATION AND IO CRISIS
DTG: 291700Z NOV 25
SUBJECT: RF Operational Fixation Confirmed // Krasnoarmeysk Preparations // NCA Political IO Crisis
1. SITUATION OVERVIEW (CURRENT OPERATIONAL PICTURE)
The enemy (RF) maintains a synchronized operational design aimed at fixing UAF reserves in the Pokrovsk axis while exploiting the critical breach at Stepnohorsk. The information environment is highly kinetic, marked by successful RF exploitation of internal UAF political turbulence.
1.1. Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain
- Southern Axis (Stepnohorsk/Vremyevsky): Remains the primary area of ground exploitation. RF intent is to convert the 33 OShP retrograde into an operational breach. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Eastern Axis (Krasnoarmeysk/Pokrovsk Direction): Confirmed high-level RF reconnaissance and fire correction preparation. RF sources are actively pushing psychological operations (PSYOPS) regarding "mass UAF surrender" in Dimitrov (likely a reference to Myrnohrad/Pokrovsk operational zone). Furthermore, confirmed drone surveillance imagery of Rodinske (NW of Pokrovsk) suggests RF Tsentr Group is finalizing target packages for the 27th MRD thrust. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Strategic Rear (RF Territory): UAF deep strike operations are ongoing. RF authorities have declared RED and YELLOW UAV threat levels across multiple regions of Lipetsk Oblast (Yelets, Dolgorukovsky MO, etc.), confirming continued UAF operational initiative in the strategic depth. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
1.2. Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations
Thick fog/mist is reported in the Huliaipole/Zaporizhzhia sector, temporarily suppressing the effectiveness of "small aviation" (UAVs/FPV drones) for both sides. This condition provides a crucial, temporary window (estimated 4-8 hours, based on typical late November fog patterns) for UAF maneuver, resupply, and EW repositioning.
1.3. Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures
- RF: RF Vostok Group continues to press Stepnohorsk. The newly confirmed RECCE/IO activity targeting the Pokrovsk salient confirms the immediate threat posed by the 27th MRD. RF BPS (Drone Systems Troops) are adapting to UAF EW efforts, using FPV systems for counter-EW strikes (incendiary payloads against alleged "anti-drone corridors").
- UAF: UAF Command is balancing crisis stabilization (3rd Assault Brigade at Stepnohorsk) with maintaining strategic pressure (Lipetsk strikes). UAF Air Force reports new enemy UAV waves targeting infrastructure along the East Sumy axis towards Poltava.
2. ENEMY ANALYSIS (THREAT ASSESSMENT)
2.1. Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action
- Intent (IO Synchronization): RF intention is demonstrably to coordinate kinetic operations with strategic information warfare. The immediate exploitation of the Yermak political narrative, simultaneous with increased pressure on the Pokrovsk-Stepnohorsk axis, aims to paralyze UAF strategic decision-making. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Capability (Tactical Counter-EW): RF FPV drone units possess the immediate capability to target and neutralize stationary or predictable UAF EW assets using incendiary payloads, forcing UAF to adopt mobile, decentralized EW TTPs. (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE)
- Capability (Strategic Resilience): RF continues to manage logistics effectively, demonstrated by the activation of Kazakh corridors and the ability to sustain combat operations despite UAF deep strikes (as evidenced by the ongoing threat warnings in Lipetsk).
2.2. Recent Tactical Changes or Adaptations
The temporary weather mitigation (fog) in the Huliaipole area has slightly delayed immediate BPS (A2A) effectiveness but has not deterred the overall ground maneuver timeline. RF continues proactive RECCE of the Pokrovsk flanks (Rodinske IMINT) ahead of the 27th MRD deployment.
2.3. Logistics and Sustainment Status
RF logistics are stabilizing due to the successful activation of alternative Kazakh supply routes. UAF deep strikes (Lipetsk) confirm ongoing efforts to disrupt this chain, but sustained, targeted interdiction of the new rail/road transshipment nodes remains an unfulfilled requirement.
2.4. Command and Control Effectiveness
RF C2 remains highly effective. The immediate pivot of RF IO assets to the Yermak story and the coordinated deployment of the 27th MRD against the Pokrovsk salient demonstrate superior cross-domain synchronization (kinetic, information, geographical).
3. FRIENDLY FORCES (BLUE FORCE TRACKING)
3.1. Ukrainian Force Posture and Readiness
UAF forces are under operational and cognitive pressure. The commitment of reserves (3rd Assault Brigade) indicates high readiness but reduced operational flexibility. Maintenance of the deep strike campaign (Lipetsk) demonstrates offensive capability, which helps maintain pressure on RF strategic decision-making.
3.2. Recent Tactical Successes or Setbacks
- Successes: Successful maintenance of deep strike capability (Lipetsk threat declarations). Temporary environmental cover (fog) provides a crucial, non-kinetic advantage to facilitate rapid defensive engineering and logistical movements in the Stepnohorsk area.
- Setbacks: RF IO successfully leveraged the high-level personnel change/rumors (Yermak/Umerov), creating a visible strategic vulnerability. Continued RF drone strikes on civilian infrastructure (Kyiv residential areas) impacts morale and infrastructure resilience.
3.3. Resource Requirements and Constraints
The immediate constraint is the short timeline to stabilize the Stepnohorsk line before the fog lifts and A2A UAV operations resume. Resource requirements remain:
- Mobile, hardened C-UAS/EW capability for Stepnohorsk.
- Long-range precision strike assets dedicated to interdicting 27th MRD concentration areas.
4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (COGNITIVE DOMAIN)
4.1. Propaganda and Disinformation Campaigns
RF IO is operating at a heightened state of aggression:
- Internal Destabilization: Heavy amplification of the Yermak/NCA restructuring (Starsh Edde, Colonelcassad). The objective is to signal institutional collapse to domestic and international audiences, potentially freezing Western diplomatic support.
- Western Aid Dilution: RF media (TASS) effectively frames Western non-kinetic aid proposals (10-year tariff exemption) as inadequate substitutes for decisive military assistance (Tomahawks), attempting to breed cynicism regarding the endurance of US support.
- Tactical Fabrication: PSYOPS pushing false narratives of UAF mass surrender (Dimitrov) to lower UAF morale and justify imminent RF assaults.
4.2. Public Sentiment and Morale Factors
Public morale is reinforced by UAF deep strikes and resilience narratives (Kyiv drone strike aftermath). However, the highly visible political drama surrounding NCA figures, if left unaddressed, risks transferring strategic uncertainty to the tactical level.
4.3. International Support and Diplomatic Developments
Focus remains diverted by the internal US political context (Trump/Witkoff proposals). UAF must proactively counter the RF narrative that economic aid is a substitution for kinetic capability by highlighting the long-term strategic value of economic integration.
5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS (FUTURE OPERATIONS)
5.1. Most Likely Enemy Courses of Action (MLCOA)
MLCOA: Exploitation under Environmental Cover, followed by Aerial Surge (NLT 300600Z DEC) (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
RF Vostok Group will utilize the fog window to position follow-on forces and establish fire control points against the 3rd Assault Brigade blocking line at Stepnohorsk.
- Phase I (Ground Maneuver): RF motorized rifle elements (37th GMRB) conduct limited, high-speed maneuvers/infiltration attempts at Stepnohorsk, potentially using UGV support (Kurier) to bypass or interdict engineer obstacles, exploiting the reduced drone surveillance environment.
- Phase II (Kinetic Fixation): The 27th MRD initiates preparatory fire (using Rodinske/Pokrovsk RECCE data) to fix UAF forces defending the Pokrovsk salient.
- Phase III (Post-Fog Surge): Once the fog lifts (or shifts), RF BPS forces immediately surge A2A UAVs back into the Stepnohorsk/Vremyevsky airspace to achieve aerial dominance, supporting a decisive ground breach.
5.2. Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA)
MDCOA: Decentralized Shock and C2 Denial (NLT 300000Z NOV) (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE)
RF synchronizes the initial ground exploitation at Stepnohorsk with widespread, decentralized BPS C2 strikes against high-value tactical C2 nodes across the Novopavlivka-Stepnohorsk axis, potentially utilizing the FPV counter-EW TTPs confirmed today. Concurrently, IO amplifies political collapse narratives to suppress UAF reserve deployment. The immediate result is a localized command failure, enabling a rapid RF breakthrough.
5.3. Timeline Estimates and Decision Points
| Event | Estimated DTG | Criticality | Decision Point |
|---|
| Fog Lifting/BPS Resumption | NLT 300400Z | CRITICAL | J3 must confirm mobile C-UAS/EW assets are prepositioned and integrated with the 3rd Assault Brigade NLT 292300Z, utilizing the fog window for repositioning. |
| 27th MRD Operational Readiness | NLT 301200Z | HIGH | J2/J3 must confirm successful interdiction strikes against 27th MRD concentrations. Failure to strike before this window risks full operational engagement. |
| NCA IO Mitigation | NLT 292000Z | HIGH | The National Command Authority must issue clear, unified public guidance regarding all leadership changes and operational status to counter RF IO exploitation of the Yermak rumors. |
6. INTELLIGENCE GAPS AND COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS
| Priority | Gap | Collection Requirement (CR) | Domain | Confidence Assessment |
|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (TECHINT/IMINT) | FPV Counter-EW TTPs | Acquire technical details, video evidence, and geolocation of RF FPV incendiary strikes against UAF EW to develop mobile shielding and counter-TTPs. | SIGINT, HUMINT | HIGH |
| PRIORITY 2 (IMINT/HUMINT) | 27th MRD Echelon/Composition | Determine the composition (heavy/light) and precise staging locations of the 27th MRD's lead echelon identified near Krasnoarmeysk/Rodinske to optimize deep strike targeting. | IMINT, HUMINT | HIGH |
| PRIORITY 3 (HUMINT/OSINT) | NCA Transition Details | Obtain clarity on the scope and timing of the National Command Authority personnel transition (Yermak/Umerov) to formulate effective strategic communication strategies and anticipate policy shifts. | HUMINT, OSINT | MEDIUM |
7. ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS
The immediate tactical objective is to exploit the temporary weather window to secure the defensive line and execute deep strikes against the fixing force.
-
EXPLOIT WEATHER WINDOW (J3/J4/EW):
- ACTION: Immediately leverage the fog/mist (NLT 292300Z) in the Stepnohorsk sector to expedite the repositioning of mobile C-UAS/EW platforms (Operation SKY SWEEPER) and rapidly establish engineer obstacle belts (minefields, demolition) along the flanks of the 3rd Assault Brigade. Prioritize the resupply of high-density FPV ammunition to frontline units.
- RATIONALE: The weather offers a temporary reduction in RF ISR capability, allowing critical defensive preparations and high-risk maneuvers without immediate BPS/A2A interference.
-
DEGRADE KRASNOARMEYSK THREAT (J3/J2):
- ACTION: Execute targeted, coordinated deep fire missions against confirmed 27th MRD concentration areas near Rodinske/Krasnoarmeysk, focusing on soft targets (fuel, C2, and personnel assembly points). Utilize loitering munitions and HIMARS to disrupt the cohesion of the fixing force before NLT 30000Z.
- RATIONALE: Interdicting the 27th MRD deployment remains critical to prevent RF's successful operational fixation (MLCOA). Strike assets must prioritize preventing the 27th MRD from achieving initial operational capability.
-
COUNTER COGNITIVE ATTACK (NCA/J7):
- ACTION: The NCA must immediately issue a comprehensive, unified strategic communication package to the public and international partners addressing the personnel changes, confirming the operational strategy for the South, and explicitly debunking all RF IO claims regarding "Dimitrov surrenders" and Western support failure.
- RATIONALE: Failure to rapidly mitigate the information crisis allows RF IO to achieve its objective of paralyzing strategic decision-making and eroding internal cohesion.
//END OF REPORT//