Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 021305Z DEC 25 OPERATIONAL PHASE: KINETIC-DIPLOMATIC CLIMAX (CRITICAL INTENSITY) UPDATE: The predicted 1400Z synchronization point is now minutes away. The arrival of high-level US non-official delegates (Witkoff confirmed in Moscow) validates the RF diplomatic coercion strategy. Kinematic threats are escalating with the confirmed deployment of online-controlled loitering munitions (Guided Shaheds) specifically targeting UAF Mobile Fire Groups (MFGs), further jeopardizing the Stepnohorsk AD umbrella. The Information Environment is under severe stress from highly damaging diplomatic leaks and RF amplification of UAF self-inflicted IO wounds.
| Location | Status | Update/Analytical Judgment | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stepnohorsk MLD (Zaporizhzhia) | Assault Imminent (FACT/JUDGEMENT) | RF claims operational successes in the Huliaipole salient (12:57:01Z). This supports the narrative of RF forces setting the conditions for the MLD along the Zaporizhzhia axis. Previous confirmation of 37th Guards MRB near Dobropolye holds. | HIGH |
| Airspace / Deep Rear | Targeted AD Suppression (JUDGEMENT) | Confirmed use of online-controlled/guided Shaheds (loitering munitions) successfully targeting UAF mobile AD/MFG teams. This represents a significant tactical evolution designed to clear the air domain ahead of the 1400Z kinetic push and maximize KAB effectiveness. | HIGH |
| Pokrovsk Sector (Donetsk) | C2/IO Crisis (JUDGEMENT) | The fallout from the SKELIA AI fabrication is being globally amplified by RF state media and proxies. This severely complicates any tactical maneuver or organized withdrawal due to loss of command credibility. | HIGH |
| Gas Infrastructure | Continued Strategic Targeting (FACT) | Confirmed RF strikes on gas infrastructure reinforce the strategy of inflicting economic pain and forcing AD asset dispersion. | HIGH |
The operational environment remains challenging for UAF due to RF technological adaptation. The threat profile has shifted: UAF Mobile Fire Groups (MFGs) operating in open areas are no longer safe from loitering munition targeting, making AD movement riskier and complicating concealment measures.
UAF: Units are struggling to cope with the simultaneous kinetic, political, and IO crises. Tactical adaptation (MFGs attempting to engage new drone threats) is evident but is being countered immediately by RF. Reserves must be assumed fixed or already engaged in the Stepnohorsk axis planning area.
RF: C2 synchronization across all domains (Political, IO, Kinetic) is confirmed to be maximal and effective, utilizing the 1400Z deadline as a fixed point for coercion.
INTENTION (IMMEDIATE): Execute the Stepnohorsk MLD simultaneously with the presentation of a non-negotiable diplomatic ultimatum facilitated by high-profile US non-official presence (Witkoff) in Moscow (ETA 1400Z). The goal is to force a ceasefire on RF terms, validated by current kinetic success and compounded by UAF IO collapse.
CAPABILITY (C4ISR/TECHINT): RF has demonstrated the capability to deploy Guided Loitering Munitions (e.g., controlled Shahed variants) that provide real-time targeting updates, allowing them to effectively neutralize UAF mobile AD and interdiction forces. This capability directly enhances the likelihood of success for the Stepnohorsk armored assault. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
COA (IO/STRATEGIC): RF IO is focused on undermining Western political will. New vectors include:
The shift to online-controlled loitering munitions targeting mobile AD/MFG units is the most critical tactical adaptation identified in the new intelligence window. This directly addresses the main UAF counter-UAS TTP and places immense pressure on the air defense capability around Zaporizhzhia.
Robust. The ability to deploy new, specialized drone variants (guided Shaheds) and sustain deep strikes on infrastructure confirms high technical and logistical sustainment capability.
RF C2 remains highly adaptive and effective. The rapid, synchronized response to the UAF AD TTP (MFGs) demonstrates effective real-time C4ISR integration. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
UAF posture is defensively fixed and psychologically strained. While the SBU achieved a critical counter-intelligence success (British agent exposed), this positive narrative is instantly weaponized by RF IO to sow distrust of foreign partners. The primary kinetic vulnerability is the growing difficulty of defending the Stepnohorsk axis against the integrated threat of armored assault and effective AD suppression by guided munitions.
Successes:
Setbacks/Challenges:
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: Immediate counter-TTPs must be developed and disseminated to MFGs and AD units regarding the threat of guided loitering munitions. This requires either technical solution (e.g., advanced EW or decoy systems) or immediate operational change (e.g., increased distance, hardened positions, or strict time-on-target limits).
RF IO is achieving strategic success by targeting the integrity and reliability of Kyiv's Western partners:
The confluence of tactical pressure (guided Shaheds causing PTSD reactions, 12:58:02Z) and strategic betrayal narratives (frozen assets, German concessions) is placing severe strain on domestic morale. The NCA's ability to maintain public trust following the SKELIA AI debacle is paramount and requires immediate, decisive action before the 1400Z deadline.
The presence of Witkoff in Moscow confirms the critical nature of the diplomatic dual-track. While the Ireland summit provides a counterpoint, the Moscow meeting has achieved the information dominance necessary to coerce Kyiv through kinetic-diplomatic linkage.
MLCOA: INTEGRATED KINETIC-DIPLOMATIC BLITZKRIEG (021400Z DEC) (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) The Stepnohorsk MLD will launch, potentially with initial success due to pre-emptive AD suppression using guided Shaheds and KABs. Putin will present an ultimatum to the US delegates in Moscow, demanding a ceasefire based on military lines (Stepnohorsk penetration/Pokrovsk encirclement), using the IO crisis (SKELIA) and the perceived US/German policy shifts (frozen assets, concessions) to ensure the ultimatum cannot be easily refused.
MDCOA: PINPOINT STRIKE ON ZAPORIZHZHIA COMMAND/LOGISTICS, PREPARED BY GUIDED MUNITIONS (Risk Level: CRITICAL/HIGH) RF capitalizes on the confirmed ability of guided loitering munitions to neutralize forward mobile AD. The initial guided Shahed waves suppress or destroy key MFGs, creating a vulnerable window for a coordinated missile/KAB strike against the 5th Assault Brigade FOB, primary logistical nodes, or the Zaporizhzhia C2 center, functionally paralyzing the defense against the Stepnohorsk MLD launch.
| Event | Estimated Timeline (ETA) | Confidence | Decision Point/Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAF Crisis Communications Launch | NLT 021315Z DEC | HIGH | The NCA must launch the public response now to preempt the 1400Z pressure point. |
| MDCOA Execution Warning | 021330Z - 021400Z DEC | MEDIUM | Confirmation of multi-directional guided Shahed/UAV swarm targeting identified AD/Logistics sites near the MLD axis. |
| Putin/Witkoff/Kushner Meeting Start | ~021400Z DEC | HIGH | Diplomatic pressure and MLD begin simultaneously. |
| Priority | Gaps/Unresolved Questions | Collection Requirement (CR) |
|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (TECHINT/KINETIC) | Guided Loitering Munition TTP/Platform. What specific targeting capabilities are enabling the guided Shahed attacks? Is the guidance external (RF C4ISR) or internal (onboard AI/Sensor)? | ELINT/COMINT (Stepnohorsk/Zaporizhzhia AD Zone): Immediate analysis of all new frequency hopping or data link signatures associated with Shahed attacks on MFGs. (Timeline: URGENT/CONTINUOUS). |
| PRIORITY 2 (DIPLOMATIC/IO) | Frozen Assets Report Verification. Is the Politico report regarding US negotiation stance on frozen RF assets factual, or a controlled leak/disinformation? | HUMINT/OSINT (KYIV/DC Diplomatic Circles): Urgent query of high-level US liaisons regarding official White House/State Department position on Russian sovereign assets. (Timeline: URGENT/021500Z). |
| PRIORITY 3 (KINETIC IMMEDIATE) | RF MLD Composition. Precise armored composition and density of the Stepnohorsk MLD force, specifically confirming how many mechanized elements (Tanks/BMPs) are moving into the Dobropolye/D/Z H penetration zone. | ISR/SAR (Stepnohorsk Axis): Real-time mapping and identification of RF heavy armor concentration points. (Timeline: URGENT/CONTINUOUS). |
//END OF REPORT//
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