Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 020545Z DEC 25 OPERATIONAL PHASE: CRITICAL KINETIC/C2 STRIKE EXECUTION WINDOW (Stepnohorsk MLD)
SUMMARY: The operational picture remains dominated by the anticipated breakthrough attempt at Stepnohorsk (Zaporizhzhia Axis). RF kinetic preparations are confirmed to be at maximum intensity (663 strikes in 24 hours on the axis). The critical C2 decapitation strike window (020515Z - 020530Z) has expired without public confirmation of the strike. UAF deep strike capability remains robust, confirmed by successful nighttime operations against an oil depot in Livny, Oryol Oblast. The strategic IE has bifurcated, with critical positive news (Italy aid) offset by reports of a strategic financial setback (ECB rejection of frozen asset utilization). Immediate focus remains C2 survivability and tactical counter-battery action.
Stepnohorsk MLD (Zaporizhzhia Axis): Remains the primary main effort focus. The sheer volume of preparatory fires (663 strikes reported) indicates RF commitment to a breakthrough in this sector NLT 020600Z DEC. Huliaipole remains the publicly declared exploitation objective, fixing UAF operational thought processes on rear-area defense. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
Dnipropetrovsk Region: Continues to suffer from RF long-range strikes (KAB/Missile), resulting in four confirmed civilian casualties in Dnipro, emphasizing the requirement to drain UAF AD assets from the front. The situation in Kryvyi Rih is confirmed as "Controlled."
Clear, cold conditions persist, continuing to favor high-fidelity RF ISR and the required precision targeting for the potential C2 strike execution.
UAF is maintaining high-tempo strategic attrition operations:
INTENTION (IMMEDIATE): Achieve kinetic contact and secure a breach head at Stepnohorsk. The current operational tempo strongly suggests the enemy intends to proceed with the ground assault even if the C2 strike was delayed or failed. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
CAPABILITY (Fire Support): RF has demonstrated the ability to sustain extremely high-volume fire support (663 strikes/24h) necessary for suppressing forward defense lines prior to the ground assault.
RF continues to emphasize the effectiveness of its low-cost/high-yield weapons systems, specifically FPV drones, showcasing video evidence of attacks against UAF personnel. This highlights the continuing RF reliance on decentralized, tactical drone superiority to degrade UAF infantry resilience.
The UAF drone strike on the Livny oil depot (Oryol Oblast) represents a direct attack on RF domestic logistics required to sustain long-term conflict. While not immediately affecting frontline fuel reserves, it introduces supply chain friction and forces AD reallocation further into Russia. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM)
RF C2 remains effective in synchronizing kinetic operations (Zaporizhzhia fires) with layered Information Warfare (external distraction via Venezuela news; internal morale building via domestic donation praise).
UAF forces are under critical pressure at the Stepnohorsk MLD. Resilience is confirmed by the ongoing deep strike campaign. Readiness is dependent on the ability of the 5 OShB to weather the current fire saturation and execute effective counter-mobility/anti-armor operations against the expected mechanized breach.
Successes:
CRITICAL CONSTRAINT: Immediate verification of 5 OShB C2 status. The passing of the expected strike window demands immediate, low-emissions communication checks to confirm CP integrity and operational readiness.
The RF IO focus is shifting subtly:
National sentiment is polarized: Grief over Dnipro casualties requires immediate, high-level official acknowledgment (Day of Mourning confirmed). This emotional strain must be immediately offset by amplifying the operational success (Livny oil depot strike) and confirmed external support (Italy aid package).
MLCOA: MECHANIZED ASSAULT INITIATION WITH C2 STATUS PENDING (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) RF assault forces will initiate the ground assault NLT 020600Z DEC. The high volume of preparatory fires justifies the immediate commitment of lead elements. If the C2 strike was successful but unconfirmed, the assault will be executed into a degraded UAF defense. If the strike was aborted or failed, RF will rely on artillery saturation and FPV superiority to achieve initial breach points.
The Most Dangerous Course of Action remains the successful mechanized breach at Stepnohorsk accompanied by successful tactical electronic warfare (EW) to paralyze UAF C2. Given the expiration of the C2 strike window, the MDCOA threat now transitions from a single, high-yield kinetic event (Iskander) to a pervasive, multi-layered EW/C2 degradation effort synchronized with the ground assault. (Risk Level: CRITICAL/IMMINENT)
| Event | Estimated Timeline (ETA) | Confidence | Decision Point/Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF Ground Assault Initiation | 020600Z DEC - 020630Z DEC | HIGH | Confirmation of sustained, high-volume direct fire contact involving RF armor/mechanized infantry at Stepnohorsk. |
| 5 OShB C2 Status Confirmation | NLT 020555Z DEC | HIGH | Successful "Low-Sig" confirmation check on primary and alternate frequencies. |
| UAF Strategic IO Counter-Punch | NLT 020700Z DEC | HIGH | Official NCA statement neutralizing RF IO and leveraging the Livny strike. |
| Priority | Gaps/Unresolved Questions | Collection Requirement (CR) |
|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (FRIENDLY C2 STATUS) | 5 OShB C2 Survival. Did the C2 system survive the expected 05:30Z strike window, or is the lack of confirmation due to successful RF EW? | COMINT/EW (Stepnohorsk Sector): Confirm low-emissions command transmission integrity between 5 OShB CP and subordinate units. (Timeline: IMMEDIATE, 10 minutes). |
| PRIORITY 2 (KINETIC TARGETING) | RF MLD Unit Identification. Identify the specific RF mechanized units leading the assault (e.g., VDV vs. Motor Rifle) to anticipate tactical doctrine and force allocation. | IMINT/HUMINT (Stepnohorsk/Orikhiv Front): Identify unit markings, communication patterns, and confirmed OOB of lead elements. (Timeline: 020700Z DEC). |
| PRIORITY 3 (STRATEGIC FINANCING) | ECB Confirmation. Is the TASS/FT report on the €140B asset utilization refusal accurate, or is it RF IO leveraging a nuanced policy debate? | OSINT/DIPINT (Western Europe/Brussels): Urgent verification of ECB public statement/confidential communication regarding the frozen asset legal framework. (Timeline: NLT 021200Z DEC). |
//END OF REPORT//
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