Archived operational intelligence briefing
SUBJECT: IMMINENT POKROVSK GLOC SEVERANCE AMIDST CRITICAL NATO EXCLUSION NARRATIVE SHOCKWAVE
Kinetic activity is peaking along the Pokrovsk axis, confirming the RF effort to meet the 011000Z GLOC severance deadline.
Key Observation: RF forces (DNR elements, specifically 57th MSP and 68th ORB) are confirmed actively clearing and consolidating positions in Nikanorovka (SW flank of Pokrovsk) (06:02Z). This validates the assessment that the Pokrovsk breach is intended for deep penetration and methodical consolidation, securing the main assault's approach routes and reinforcing the threat to the M-30/H-20 GLOC.
No change. Favorable conditions persist for UAS and ground maneuvers. However, the UAF report regarding a potential Russian-planned ecological disaster in Kherson (05:57Z) introduces a new, high-risk environmental variable requiring immediate defensive planning (See 4.A and 7.C).
UAF forces are sustaining CQC in Pokrovsk (SKELIA Regiment). The critical constraint remains the political and strategic C2 environment, which has been further destabilized by the coordinated Information Operations (IO) targeting Ukraine's strategic alliances (NATO). The window for optimal strategic reserve commitment (010800Z DEC 25) is now approximately one hour away.
| Factor | Assessment | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Intent (Refined) | Achieve kinetic severance of Pokrovsk GLOC (M-30/H-20) NLT 011000Z DEC 25. Simultaneously, leverage diplomatic leaks (NATO exclusion) and internal C2 friction (Yermak) to force immediate, unfavorable negotiations. | HIGH |
| Current COA Refined | KINETIC: Intensified close-quarters clearance in Pokrovsk and methodical consolidation in adjacent zones (Nikanorovka). Sustained deep strike pressure (Mykolaiv Shaheds). INFORMATIONAL: Maximum amplification of the alleged CNN report regarding NATO exclusion to induce strategic panic in Kyiv and among Western partners. | HIGH |
| Logistics | Sustainment remains adequate for immediate offensive needs. The constraint on UAF high-caliber fire support (post-Sumy) continues to enable RF tactical advantage. | MEDIUM |
The confirmation of DNR/RF mechanized clearance efforts in Nikanorovka (06:02Z) demonstrates disciplined tactical execution aimed at isolating Pokrovsk, contradicting any notion that the urban infiltration was a localized raid. RF is executing a coordinated, multi-axis maneuver to secure the operational objective.
RF synchronization remains exceptional. They successfully introduced the NATO exclusion narrative into the IO space during the 0500Z-0700Z window, precisely when the UAF National Command Authority (NCA) is under maximum kinetic and C2 stress (Pokrovsk threat and Yermak dismissal). RF C2 is effectively exploiting the UAF decision cycle.
Forward kinetic readiness remains adequate, but the strategic decision-making apparatus is severely compromised. The convergence of the Yermak C2 crisis and the critical NATO exclusion IO campaign risks overwhelming the NCA and delaying the crucial 0800Z reserve commitment.
The successful defense of SKELIA regiment in Pokrovsk remains a tactical success (measured by high RF attrition), but this is outweighed by the severe strategic instability.
| Status | Event | Operational Impact | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setback (CRITICAL STRATEGIC) | CNN report (via TASS) on potential NATO exclusion settlement. | Directly attacks Ukraine's core national security objective, achieving Strategic Narrative Paralysis. Amplifies RF negotiation leverage significantly. | HIGH |
| New Threat (Contingency) | Alleged RF plan for ecological disaster in Kherson. | Requires immediate defensive resource allocation/contingency planning in the Southern Operational Area (SOA). | MEDIUM |
The immediate requirements remain timely, high-caliber fire support and the guaranteed execution of the strategic reserve commitment. The new political/informational environment demands the immediate allocation of NCA resources to counter the strategic NATO narrative.
The IO landscape has reached a new peak of strategic toxicity:
Morale is facing a combined kinetic (Pokrovsk), political (Yermak), and existential threat (NATO exclusion). Failure by the NCA to provide immediate, definitive clarity on the NATO status and the C2 transition will lead to widespread internal political fragmentation and erosion of military trust.
The NATO exclusion narrative severely complicates ongoing discussions with US partners. It forces Kyiv to spend crucial political capital defending its strategic goals instead of focusing on immediate kinetic requirements (e.g., reserve commitment).
RF forces will likely achieve operational control of the Pokrovsk GLOC NLT 011000Z DEC 25, leveraging their successful consolidation actions near Nikanorovka. RF will immediately deploy the NATO exclusion narrative (via state media and diplomatic channels) to demand a kinetic pause and freeze the existing battlefield geometry, effectively codifying the Pokrovsk success into a strategic gain.
The Stepnohorsk synchronized breakthrough remains the MDCOA. RF, observing UAF strategic paralysis due to the combined Yermak/NATO IO crises, executes a rapid, armored assault (T-80BVM focus) on the Southern Axis NLT 020200Z DEC 25. An MDCOA related to the Kherson threat (either a preparatory kinetic strike leading to an ecological event or using the threat of one to extort UAF positions) must also be considered in the SOA.
CRITICAL C2/KINETIC DECISION POINT: 010800Z DEC 25. NCA/J3 must confirm GLOC status (P-1, P-2 CRs) and execute the GO/NO GO decision on strategic reserve commitment. This decision must be isolated from the political IO crisis. CRITICAL STRATCOM DECISION POINT: 010830Z DEC 25. NCA/J9 must execute the revised Protocol UNITY strategy, specifically addressing the NATO exclusion narrative.
| Priority | Gap Description | Confidence in Gap Assessment | Collection Requirement (CR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P-1 (CRITICAL KINETIC STATUS) | Pokrovsk GLOC Status (M-30/H-20). Current penetration depth and whether SKELIA Regiment is still able to move logistics along the route. | HIGH | IMINT/LIDAR/UAS Reconnaissance of Hryshyne/Pokrovsk ingress routes. NLT 010745Z DEC 25 (URGENT - Decision Critical). |
| P-2 (INTERNAL C2 STATUS) | Status of Office of the President (OP) Transition. Who is assuming operational oversight of the military campaign and diplomatic track immediately? | HIGH | HUMINT/Media analysis focused on key political figures. NLT 011000Z DEC 25 (CRITICAL STRATEGIC FOCUS). |
| P-3 (ECOLOGICAL THREAT VERIFICATION) | Verification of RF intentions/asset positioning in Kherson related to critical infrastructure (e.g., dam, chemical storage). | MEDIUM | SATINT/IMINT focused on key infrastructure in the Kherson area (specifically major river crossings and utility facilities). NLT 011200Z DEC 25 (CONTINGENCY PLANNING). |
//END OF REPORT//
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