Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 021030Z DEC 25 OPERATIONAL PHASE: CRITICAL DECISIVE KINETIC PRESSURE // STEPNOHORSK BREACH IMMINENT
SUMMARY: The kinetic situation in Zaporizhzhia remains CRITICAL. RF consolidation in Dobropillia and Zelenyi Hai is confirmed by multiple RF state and war correspondent sources (FACT, HIGH CONFIDENCE). The window for pre-emptive counter-fire against the RF staging area is now less than two (2) hours. Strategically, the Witkoff delegation has arrived in Moscow (FACT, HIGH CONFIDENCE), synchronizing kinetic action with the diplomatic talks planned for 1400Z. RF is employing sophisticated Information Operations (IO) via leaks regarding frozen assets to maximize diplomatic leverage. The threat of a coordinated mechanized assault on the Stepnohorsk Main Line of Defense (MLD) NLT 1400Z remains the primary operational concern.
| Location | Status | Assessment | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dobropillia / Zelenyi Hai (Zaporizhzhia) | RF Confirmed Consolidation (FACT) | RF Vostok Group is established. This salient is the forward assembly area for the main effort against Stepnohorsk, approximately 6-8 km from the MLD. CRITICAL TARGET FOR INTERDICTION. | HIGH |
| Stepnohorsk MLD | Under Severe Kinetic Pressure (JUDGEMENT) | UAF defenses (5 OShB) are facing sustained KAB saturation fires (confirmed 09:36Z, 09:49Z alerts). Loss of the two forward villages places RF forces in an optimal position for mechanized breakthrough. | HIGH |
| Kupiansk/Lyman Axis | Defensive Clashes (FACT) | UAF General Staff confirms engagement across multiple points (Kupiansk, Lyman, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk), indicating sustained RF pressure across the OTD. Pressure is localized but resource-intensive. | MEDIUM |
| RF Deep Rear (St. Petersburg) | Infrastructure/C2 Disruption (FACT) | Mass mobile internet failures in St. Petersburg, attributed by local authorities to UAV attacks, confirm UAF capability to impose costs on RF critical infrastructure far from the FLOT. | HIGH |
No significant meteorological changes affecting the Stepnohorsk operation. The environment remains conducive to mechanized movement and air operations (KAB delivery). RF continues to exploit clear weather windows for KAB saturation.
UAF: Resources are critically constrained by the need to protect rear areas (Bila Tserkva UAV alert 09:37Z) while reinforcing the Stepnohorsk MLD. UAF C2 integrity remains robust, demonstrated by successful internal counter-intelligence operations (SBU British spy arrest, NAEK Energoatom corruption charges).
RF: RF Vostok Group is posturing for decisive action. The operational tempo (OT) is synchronized with the diplomatic timeline. RF continues to focus long-term strategic support (India military logistics agreement ratification 09:38Z) and expand geopolitical threat messaging (SVR threat against French PMCs 09:41Z).
INTENTION (IMMEDIATE): RF intends to achieve a confirmed kinetic breach of the Stepnohorsk MLD prior to, or within the first hour of, the Putin-Witkoff negotiations (Target: 021400Z DEC). This is intended to force the US delegation to acknowledge the military fait accompli and pressure UAF into a ceasefire based on current lines.
CAPABILITY (KINETIC): RF possesses the necessary combined arms capability (armor, artillery, high-volume KAB fires) to execute a localized mechanized penetration from the Dobropillia salient. RF claims "over a company" of UAF losses in the seizure of Dobropillia (FACT, 09:59Z), suggesting rapid, effective application of fire and maneuver.
COA (KINETIC): RF Vostok Group will initiate heavy preparatory fires (Artillery/KAB) between 1200Z and 1330Z DEC against the Stepnohorsk MLD, focusing on known UAF strong points and counter-battery radars. The main armored thrust will follow, utilizing the Dobropillia-Zelenyi Hai corridor to maximize momentum and penetrate the UAF defense line.
RF sustainment for the Zaporizhzhia offensive remains adequate, supported by confirmed KAB strikes and formalized commercial logistics links to occupied regions ("KIT" advertisement, 10:00Z). The ratification of the India-Russia military logistics agreement (09:38Z) signals RF strategic confidence in long-term resupply networks, bypassing Western sanctions pressure. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
RF C2 effectiveness is assessed as HIGH. The rapid, synchronized operational timeline—kinetic advance, immediate diplomatic framing (Peskov), and high-level diplomatic engagement (Witkoff arrival)—confirms integrated, centralized strategic decision-making.
UAF posture at Stepnohorsk is defensive and challenged. Units must maintain readiness for a mechanized assault while simultaneously preparing for high-intensity KAB fire. Readiness is bolstered by demonstrated internal security success (SBU arrests 09:51Z, 10:00Z), projecting institutional resilience despite kinetic losses.
Successes:
Setbacks/Challenges:
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: TIME-SENSITIVE COUNTER-FIRE. The operational requirement is to maximize artillery expenditure against the Dobropillia staging area NLT 021130Z DEC to disrupt the RF assault synchronization.
CONSTRAINT: AD assets remain strained by KAB saturation in the South and UAV attacks in the North (Bila Tserkva). This forces a difficult triage decision between protecting kinetic capabilities (artillery/HIMARS) and protecting rear critical infrastructure.
RF IO is acutely synchronized with the diplomatic process:
UAF morale is actively managed via transparency on internal security (SBU arrests) and successful volunteer fundraising efforts (Sternenko leveraging E-Support funds 10:01Z). This narrative of resilient, sovereign action counters the RF narrative of inevitable defeat. Local morale in Zaporizhzhia will be tested by the confirmed KAB strikes.
CRITICAL JUNCTURE: The arrival of the Witkoff delegation in Moscow (09:52Z) initiates the final synchronization phase. RF will use any kinetic victory in Stepnohorsk to immediately harden its stance. The "frozen assets" leak necessitates immediate, high-level counter-messaging from Kyiv and its allied partners regarding the permanent status of sequestered RF funds.
MLCOA: STEPNOHORSK PENETRATION AND CEASEFIRE DEMAND (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) RF Vostok Group completes final staging in the Dobropillia salient. Heavy preparatory fires commence NLT 021200Z DEC. The main mechanized assault is launched at approximately 021400Z DEC, timed with the start of the Putin-Witkoff negotiations. RF forces achieve a tactical penetration, which is immediately broadcast by RF media as a "major military victory," allowing RF diplomats to demand an immediate ceasefire and freeze-the-lines based on the newly acquired territory.
MDCOA: INTERDICTION AND STRATEGIC BYPASS (Risk Level: CRITICAL/HIGH) RF Vostok Group bypasses the most heavily defended part of Stepnohorsk, utilizing concentrated fire to neutralize UAF long-range artillery positions (HIMARS/MLRS). Simultaneously, RF forces execute a rapid mechanized flanking maneuver North-West from Dobropillia, successfully interdicting the key T0408 MSR leading to Orikhiv. The resulting isolation of Stepnohorsk forces the UAF NCA to choose between immediate counter-attack (diverting strategic reserves) or an unfavorable operational withdrawal, providing RF a catastrophic operational victory that destabilizes the entire Southern Axis during the diplomatic talks.
| Event | Estimated Timeline (ETA) | Confidence | Decision Point/Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAF Counter-Fire Required | 021030Z - 021130Z DEC | HIGH | Activation of highest-priority counter-battery/interdiction missions against Dobropillia staging areas. |
| RF Final Shaping Fires Begin | 021200Z - 021330Z DEC | HIGH | Confirmation of increased KAB/Artillery density along the Stepnohorsk MLD. |
| Putin-Witkoff Talks Begin | 021400Z DEC | HIGH | Critical window for NCA strategic communication release to pre-empt RF narrative. |
| Stepnohorsk MLD Assault Launch | 021400Z - 021600Z DEC | HIGH | Detection of armor columns moving from Dobropillia towards MLD. |
| Priority | Gaps/Unresolved Questions | Collection Requirement (CR) |
|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (KINETIC FIRE PLAN) | RF Staging Density/Targeting. Where are RF Vostok Group's primary concentrations (Fuel, Ammo, C2) within the Dobropillia/Zelenyi Hai salient? What are the confirmed RF counter-battery target arrays? | IMINT/ISR (Dobropillia): Continuous high-resolution satellite/UAS reconnaissance to geo-locate RF assembly areas and key logistics nodes for time-sensitive targeting. (Timeline: IMMEDIATE/CONTINUOUS). |
| PRIORITY 2 (TECHINT/AD Mitigation) | KAB Attack Pattern. Is RF utilizing any new KAB guidance/delivery TTPs specific to the Stepnohorsk terrain? Can we predict the flight paths to maximize AD efficiency? | SIGINT/ELINT: Focus on RF aviation comms and guidance signals targeting Stepnohorsk to identify specific delivery altitudes/vectors. (Timeline: NLT 021200Z DEC). |
| PRIORITY 3 (STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS) | US/EU Reaction to Frozen Assets Leak. What is the official US/EU response to the IO leak regarding the return of frozen Russian assets? Is there any sign of fracture in the sanctions coalition? | OSINT/HUMINT (Diplomatic Track): Immediate monitoring of US State Department and European Council official statements/press briefings for reaction to the leak. (Timeline: IMMEDIATE). |
//END OF REPORT//
We only use optional analytics cookies if you allow them. Necessary cookies stay on for sign-in and site security.
Learn more in our Privacy Policy.