Archived operational intelligence briefing
DTG: 011134Z DEC 25 SUBJECT: Multi-Domain Crisis Synchronization: Pokrovsk Kinetic Breach and Strategic IO Escalation PERIOD COVERED: 302000Z NOV 25 – 011134Z DEC 25 ANALYST CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM-HIGH (Unless otherwise specified)
The operational center of gravity remains the Pokrovsk Axis (formerly Krasnoarmeysky), where RF forces (notably elements of the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, 'Tsentr' Grouping) are engaged in Close Quarters Combat (CQC) following infiltration of the urban periphery. The primary Ground Line of Communication (GLOC) feeding Pokrovsk is under immediate kinetic threat.
Secondary theaters show persistent RF shaping operations:
General conditions support continuous tactical operations. New data confirms RF employment of heavy thermal systems (TOS-1A) and specialized nighttime video content (Старше Эдды), indicating ongoing high-intensity operations across the 24-hour cycle.
RF forces are leveraging forward-deployed maintenance facilities (BARS-22 mobile workshop observed) near the Pokrovsk axis, suggesting a high commitment to maintaining operational tempo and minimizing equipment downtime. UAF defenses, specifically the SKELIA Regiment (425th), are critically reliant on drone-based CQC and require immediate heavy fire stabilization.
| Domain | Finding/Capability | Intentions | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic/Ground | RF deployed TOS-1A Heavy Flamethrower Systems ("TOS – серьёзный аргумент") in the Krasnoarmeysky direction. | Area saturation and rapid clearance of urban defensive positions to accelerate the seizure of Pokrovsk. | HIGH |
| Kinetic/Air & UAV | Persistent deep strike capability confirmed (Blyznyukivska, Dnipro). RF forward units display sophisticated, integrated drone/electronics maintenance. | Degrading UAF logistics and C2 in rear areas; ensuring localized UAV dominance for forward reconnaissance and FPV strikes. | HIGH |
| Logistics/Sustainment | RF long-term resource commitment confirmed by Putin signing 2026 budget with record war expenditure. Forward maintenance capability is robust. | Sustaining high-tempo offensive operations through 2026, regardless of short-term logistics disruption (e.g., Alabuga strike). | HIGH |
| Information Warfare (IO) | High-volume deployment of narratives targeting UAF domestic stability (mobilization avoidance, alleged diplomatic capitulation, use of dipfakes to incite panic) and Western solidarity (NATO/US decline). | Inducing strategic paralysis within NCA and creating friction between UAF and international partners. | HIGH |
The confirmed use of TOS-1A systems marks an escalation of fire support on the Pokrovsk axis, moving beyond standard artillery saturation toward focused thermal destruction to dislodge entrenched UAF infantry. This increases the operational threat level for the SKELIA Regiment.
RF C2 remains highly effective in synchronizing kinetic action (Pokrovsk breach, TOS deployment) with strategic IO objectives (Umerov crisis, anti-NATO rhetoric). This synergy maximizes the psychological impact of tactical success.
UAF forces are under critical kinetic pressure in Pokrovsk. While official reporting highlights successful countermeasures (9707 aerial targets destroyed in November 2025), RF air and missile strikes continue to penetrate AD layers (Dnipro, Blyznyukivska). The successful testing of UGV TTPs and "Sting" interceptor drones provides localized technological advantages that must be rapidly disseminated.
The constraint imposed by the Sumy ammunition depot loss persists (48-72 hour window). A significant domestic concern is the reported spike in mobilization avoidance (25+ student enrollment), which directly impacts long-term readiness and manpower rotation strategies.
RF efforts are concentrated on three key axes:
Public discourse reflects a simultaneous commitment to resilience (Dnipro OMA reports) and underlying anxiety regarding sustainability (mobilization avoidance statistics). The NCA must proactively address both the Pokrovsk crisis and the diplomatic narrative to maintain morale.
Diplomatic context is precarious. While international material support persists, IO campaigns are successfully creating the perception of allied wavering (EU concern over US footprint; targeted disinformation against Finnish alignment).
RF MLCOA: Pokrovsk Seizure and IO Consolidation (HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF will leverage the effectiveness of the TOS-1A fire missions and forward maintenance to rapidly clear entrenched UAF positions in Pokrovsk. The GLOC will be interdicted and physically severed NLT 020000Z DEC 25. Simultaneously, RF IO will maximize the narrative of UAF collapse and capitulation to influence ongoing US diplomatic discussions, forcing the UAF NCA into an immediate, reactive decision on strategic reserves.
RF MDCOA: Southern Breakthrough Synchronization (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) RF launches a concerted, mechanized ground assault in the Stepnohorsk sector (Southern Axis), utilizing the established AD/Air umbrella and the tactical aviation surge to achieve deep penetration. This move, synchronized with the final collapse of Pokrovsk, aims to exploit the short-term UAF high-caliber ammunition shortage (Sumy loss) and the strategic paralysis caused by the diplomatic crisis. Success would threaten the regional command hub and force the commitment of the sole remaining operational reserve.
| Event | Estimated DTG | Criticality | Decision Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokrovsk GLOC Severance | NLT 011600Z DEC 25 | CRITICAL | Immediate deployment of mechanized counter-penetration force, regardless of diplomatic pressure. |
| Sumy Depot Ammunition Constraint Peak | NLT 021200Z DEC 25 | HIGH | Alternative sourcing and distribution plan for high-caliber rounds must be activated NLT 012000Z DEC 25. |
| Stepnohorsk Assault Window | 011800Z - 020600Z DEC 25 | HIGH | Pre-positioning of specialized counter-drone/UGV units ("Sting" and 5 OShB TTPs) to Stepnohorsk NLT 011500Z DEC 25. |
| Priority | Gap/Requirement | Domain | Actionable Requirement (Target/Frequency) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 | R-1 Fire Mission Confirmation Status | Kinetic | Confirmation (IMMEDIATE) from J3/Artillery Command: Was the planned fire mission executed? If not, what is the modified current fire plan for Pokrovsk CAS? |
| PRIORITY 2 | RF TOS-1A Deployment Tonnage | SIGINT/IMINT | Target BARS-22 forward maintenance nodes and confirmed TOS-1A positions (Krasnoarmeysky). Determine total number of thermobaric launchers deployed to assess maximum saturation capability. |
| PRIORITY 3 | RF C2 Frequencies (Southern Axis) | SIGINT/EW | Identify C2 frequencies for the surged RF tactical aviation in the Stepnohorsk sector to maximize "Sting" interceptor effectiveness and EW jamming against potential MDCOA launch. |
| PRIORITY 4 | Impact of Mobility Avoidance | HUMINT/OSINT | Detailed J-1 assessment on the capacity shortfall caused by the 25+ student mobilization avoidance trend, and its impact on unit rotation viability. |
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