Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 011530Z DEC 25
The kinetic center of gravity (CoG) remains the Pokrovsk Axis (Donetsk Oblast). Russian Federation (RF) forces maintain elements inside the urban periphery, engaging the UAF SKELIA Regiment (425th) in Close Quarters Combat (CQC). RF consolidation in Hryshyne provides a secured flank for the advance. The most critical operational terrain is the primary Ground Line of Communication (GLOC) running into Pokrovsk; its severance remains imminent (NLT 011900Z DEC). On the Dobropillya/Shakhovo salient, Russian sources claim UAF counterattacks in the vicinity of Oktiabrske, suggesting localized UAF reserve commitment or aggressive spoiling attacks in that sector.
No significant change reported. Low ceilings and poor visibility in the area of operations (AOR) continue to affect tactical aviation (RF CAS/UAF counter-battery targeting) but are offset by increased use of FPV/loitering munitions and the RF reliance on stand-off weapons (Guided Aerial Bombs - КАБ).
UAF forces are positioned defensively in a fragmented urban combat scenario in Pokrovsk. Strategic attention remains divided between stabilizing the Donetsk axis and managing the high-level diplomatic narrative. RF forces are postured for exploitation of the Pokrovsk breach and sustained air pressure across the Donetsk front.
RF intent remains the synchronization of Kinetic Attrition (Pokrovsk) with Cognitive Destabilization (Diplomacy/IO).
RF continues heavy use of КАБ (Guided Aerial Bombs) (confirmed by UAF Air Force alerts). This strategy provides deep strike capability on fixed positions (e.g., potential UAF reserve staging areas or forward command posts) while mitigating exposure to tactical air defense in the high-threat Pokrovsk area.
RF Logistics Status: SUSTAINED (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE). While the strategic strike on the Alabuga drone facility degraded long-term capability, RF tactical logistics remain robust, supported by:
RF C2 is demonstrating high effectiveness in synchronizing multi-domain operations (Pokrovsk breach timed with the Umerov diplomatic crisis). Propaganda efforts are highly coordinated, focusing on the legitimacy of annexations, youth indoctrination ("Zdravstvuy, Rossiya!"), and the promotion of military figures (Colonel Emelyanov).
UAF forces are at CRITICAL DEFCON readiness on the Donetsk axis. The demonstrated success of localized technological counter-attacks (UGV TTPs, Sting interceptor) provides tactical morale boosts but cannot compensate for the strategic fire support deficit resulting from the Sumy depot loss.
The immediate loss of high-caliber ammunition reserves due to the Sumy strike places an extremely high constraint on UAF ability to execute sustained counter-battery or fire interdiction missions (e.g., the previously planned R-1 Fire Mission). Resource allocation for high-demand assets (EW and drone interceptors) must be heavily prioritized for the critical Donetsk/Stepnohorsk sectors.
RF IO is actively working to shift the diplomatic narrative, attempting to minimize the UAF-Western unity demonstrated by the Z/M/S/U/W call. Key themes include:
Public morale hinges on the successful counter-narrative following the Florida talks. The simultaneous anti-corruption reports (Zaporizhzhia) are crucial for maintaining internal political legitimacy and civilian trust, especially during military setbacks.
IMPROVED STATUS. The coordinated engagement from France, the UK, and the US following the Florida talks provides an essential shield against the RF diplomatic decapitation attempt. The EU statement confirms international awareness and support for the negotiation process. This unity must be exploited immediately in public messaging.
MLCOA: POKROVSK SEVERANCE AND FORCED INTERDICTION (HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF forces will maintain maximum pressure on Pokrovsk for the next 48 hours (NLT 03 DEC). The main effort will be the physical severance of the GLOC, accompanied by aggressive use of high-altitude stand-off weapons (КАБ) and loitering munitions to interdict UAF reserve movements and neutralize any delayed artillery response. The objective is to force a UAF tactical withdrawal from the city under heavy media scrutiny, transforming a localized tactical setback into a strategic narrative of collapse.
MDCOA: SYNCHRONIZED BREAKTHROUGH (STEPNOHORSK) (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) RF synchronizes the stabilization of the Pokrovsk front line with a renewed, high-intensity ground assault toward Stepnohorsk (Southern Axis), utilizing the suppressed tactical air environment (SAR Score 13.88 - RISING) and increased tactical aviation presence. If UAF reserves are fixed or consumed solely on the Donetsk axis due to logistical failure, RF may achieve a parallel operational breakthrough in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, leading to a catastrophic "Domino Collapse" scenario.
| Event | Estimated Timeline (ETA) | Confidence | Decision Point/Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokrovsk GLOC Severance | NLT 011900Z DEC | HIGH | Failure to execute major fire interdiction (R-1 or modified) |
| RF Stabilization of Pokrovsk | 02 DEC | MEDIUM | RF successfully repels UAF CQC counterattacks within the city |
| MDCOA Trigger (Stepnohorsk Assault) | 02 DEC - 03 DEC | MEDIUM | UAF strategic reserves are fully committed to Donetsk, or air defenses remain suppressed in the South. |
| Diplomatic Follow-up (Z/W meeting) | NLT 05 DEC | HIGH | NCA must maintain public pressure for immediate follow-up based on unified front established 01 DEC. |
| Priority | Gaps/Unresolved Questions | Collection Requirement (CR) |
|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (KINETIC) | R-1 Fire Mission Status. Confirmation is critically required: Did the planned reserve artillery mission occur NLT 1530Z 30 NOV, or was it aborted due to the Sumy depot strike? | IMINT/SIGINT: Target box correlation (Hryshyne/Pokrovsk); Confirm status of reserve artillery assets (MTO/MTR). |
| PRIORITY 2 (THREAT) | RF Air/A2AD Intent. Are the increased КАБ alerts a shaping operation or preparatory fires for a Southern Axis MDCOA? | SIGINT/ELINT: Identification of C2 frequencies for surged RF tactical aviation and ground EW/AD assets in the Stepnohorsk sector. |
| PRIORITY 3 (IO/STRATEGIC) | Operationalization of Diplomatic Unity. How will the unified front (Z/M/S/U/W call) be translated into material military support (munitions/AD)? | HUMINT/OSINT: NCA guidance on immediate material support requirements following Florida talks. |
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