Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 020435Z DEC 25 OPERATIONAL PHASE: CRITICAL KINETIC/C2 VULNERABILITY WINDOW (Stepnohorsk MLD) RF ground assault at Stepnohorsk is now synchronized with a high-tempo, multi-axis Information Warfare (IO) campaign claiming decisive victory in Donetsk and expansion in Kharkiv. The strategic objective is to achieve C2 paralysis and operational breakthrough NLT 020600Z DEC.
The Stepnohorsk MLD (Zaporizhzhia Axis) remains the focus of decisive kinetic attention, following a massive IO shaping effort.
STRATEGIC GEOMETRY UPDATE (Pokrovsk/Kharkiv):
Clear, cold conditions persist (Unchanged). Favorable for continued RF high-resolution UAV ISR and KAB targeting efforts in the Donetsk area (confirmed KAB launches at 04:09Z). (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
UAF posture is defensive-critical, heavily stressed by multi-domain pressure.
INTENTION (IMMEDIATE): Achieve kinetic culmination at Stepnohorsk by NLT 020600Z DEC while maximizing strategic confusion through coordinated IO saturation (Pokrovsk, Vovchansk claims). The goal is to force UAF command to prioritize the strategic shock (Donetsk) over the kinetic pressure (Zaporizhzhia).
CAPABILITY (C2 Integration): RF C2 has demonstrated high proficiency in seamlessly integrating strategic IO campaigns (claiming Pokrovsk, pushing US Envoy Whitkoff to Moscow) with tactical kinetic pressure (Stepnohorsk assault preparation). This indicates a highly centralized and responsive command structure supporting the main effort. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
The primary adaptation is the rapid sequencing of IO claims (Pokrovsk followed by Vovchansk) to maintain operational momentum in the cognitive domain. Kinematically, the continued use of KABs in the Donetsk sector (confirmed 04:09Z) serves to pin UAF reserves near the claimed 'victorious' sector, preventing their redeployment South.
The UAF deep strike campaign targeting Russian T&E facilities (Oryol, Bryansk) successfully increases friction on RF sustainment. This mandates RF AD resource allocation away from the front and potentially constrains the fuel/mobility assets necessary for rapid exploitation of a breakthrough at Stepnohorsk. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM)
RF C2 remains effective, particularly in its ability to synchronize strategic IO with kinetic timing. The confirmation of Whitkoff's flight path towards Russia (04:14Z) validates the RF strategy of creating a fait accompli negotiating environment simultaneous with MLD pressure. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
UAF forces are under peak cognitive pressure. The commitment to deep strikes (UAV campaign) remains robust, demonstrating UAF commitment to strategic attrition. However, readiness of the 5 OShB is critically reliant on the immediate implementation of C2 hardening protocols (GHOST). The political IO targeting Zelenskyy's office (Dmitruk claim, 04:32Z) directly stresses NCA stability, which impacts resource allocation decisions.
Immediate Strategic Setback: The requirement to absorb and counter the Pokrovsk and Vovchansk claims simultaneously forces NCA attention away from the Stepnohorsk MLD, creating an exploitable C2 vacuum. Operational Success: Successful UAF deep strikes against RF energy/military logistics (Oryol T&E facility fire confirmed).
CRITICAL CONSTRAINT: The main constraint is Time—the window for hardening the 5 OShB C2 structure before the MDCOA strike is almost closed. Secondary constraint is SHORAD availability, still diluted by the deep-strike protection requirements of Dnipropetrovsk.
RF IO synchronization is at a critical peak:
Public morale is facing a severe test due to the combined kinetic/IO shock. UAF counter-IO relies heavily on maximizing claimed RF casualties (1,110 personnel losses reported, 04:30Z), which may not be sufficient to offset the psychological impact of territorial losses claimed by RF. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
The strategic diplomatic dual track is active. The Moscow mediation track, leveraged by the kinetic reality (Pokrovsk), is forcing UAF to rely heavily on swift counter-narratives from allies (e.g., Polish official Navrotskyi's statement against Russian deceit, 04:19Z) to maintain the legitimacy of the Ireland Summit track.
MLCOA: INTEGRATED C2 STRIKE AND ACCELERATED MLD BREACH (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) RF forces have reached the kinetic inflection point. The MLCOA is now the execution of the full shaping effort: a high-yield precision strike against the most probable 5 OShB CPs (the previous MDCOA), synchronized with the peak ground assault at Stepnohorsk. RF believes the current strategic IO environment provides sufficient cover to justify the high-risk C2 strike. If the strike is successful, operational exploitation will follow rapidly (within 1 hour).
The Most Dangerous Course of Action remains the successful execution of the C2 Decapitation Strike at Stepnohorsk, resulting in the temporary paralysis of UAF counter-attack capacity and opening a breach of $>3$ km operational depth, requiring commitment of strategic reserves. The risk level for this event is now categorized as IMMINENT. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
| Event | Estimated Timeline (ETA) | Confidence | Decision Point/Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF C2 Strike Execution Window | 020435Z DEC - 020515Z DEC (CRITICAL) | HIGH | Commencement of high-volume RF jamming/EW activity in the Stepnohorsk AO, or cessation of high-resolution UAV traffic (target confirmation achieved). |
| UAF Strategic IO Response to Pokrovsk/Vovchansk | NLT 020600Z DEC | MEDIUM | Release of an official NCA statement neutralizing RF IO claims and redirecting national attention to the Stepnohorsk MLD. |
| Tactical Breakthrough Potential (Stepnohorsk) | 020600Z DEC | MEDIUM | If 5 OShB C2 is confirmed neutralized, RF could achieve operationally significant depth. |
| Priority | Gaps/Unresolved Questions | Collection Requirement (CR) |
|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (FRIENDLY C2 STATUS) | 5 OShB C2 Posture Verification. Are the CPs successfully operating under GHOST protocols and are decoys deployed? Is the primary CP already compromised? | SIGINT/EW (Stepnohorsk Sector): Monitor for anomalous high-volume RF EW activity (MDCOA precursor) and compliance with UAF radio silence. (Timeline: IMMEDIATE). |
| PRIORITY 2 (NEW RF IO TARGET) | Vovchansk/Kharkiv Claim Verification. What RF forces, if any, are supporting the claimed Vovchansk capture? Is this a full kinetic event or purely IO? | IMINT/OSINT (Kharkiv Border): Verify physical RF presence and BDA in Vovchansk city center. (Timeline: NLT 020800Z DEC). |
| PRIORITY 3 (STRATEGIC BDA) | Pokrovsk Holdout Status. Are UAF elements (SKELIA Regiment) still conducting organized resistance or withdrawal from the Pokrovsk-Mirnograd axis, or is the RF "doomed garrison" claim accurate? | HUMINT/SATINT (Donetsk): Identify any GLOC routes utilized for small-unit exfiltration from Mirnograd/Pokrovsk. (Timeline: NLT 020700Z DEC). |
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