Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 050800Z DEC 2025 SUBJECT: STEPNOHORSK MLD: TACTICAL DECISION POINT IMMINENT. MYRNOHRAD WITHDRAWAL INDICATORS CONFIRM RF ATTEMPT TO FORCE RESOURCE SPLIT. PRIORITY: IMMEDIATE C2 RESPONSE TO MYRNOHRAD AXIS AND MCLC BDA RESOLUTION.
The operational focus remains the Stepnohorsk breach corridor (Zaporizhzhia Axis), where the MLD (Main Effort Land Drive) of the 37th GMRB is underway.
No significant change. Clear conditions favor RF ISR and sustained air operations. Minor snow observed in some northern sectors (Mash).
Intention (Operational): Force UAF High Command into a resource allocation dilemma by sustaining CRITICAL pressure at Stepnohorsk while simultaneously forcing a collapse or major maneuver in the Myrnohrad/Donetsk sector.
Recent Tactical Changes/Adaptations:
Sustained ability to launch 137 UAVs confirms sufficient logistical throughput for disposable systems. RF internal messaging (pensions, cybercrime arrests) remains focused on projecting competence and stability to offset acknowledged economic and internal security pressures (e.g., Chechnya high-rise fire, Grozny-City).
RF C2 remains highly effective in synchronizing the MLD, massive aerial operations, and continuous strategic IO targeting UAF stability and Western resolve.
Readiness remains high, demonstrated by successful AD performance and rapid technological adaptation.
Setback: The unconfirmed necessity of withdrawal from Myrnohrad is a functional setback, indicating loss of local control or unacceptable attrition rates in that sector.
Success: Excellent AD engagement performance (80 targets) and successful repurposing of enemy material into novel combat systems.
| Domain | Finding (FACT/Judgment) | Confidence | Operational Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF Diplomatic Leverage | Putin/Modi diplomatic engagement amplified, including a satirical Indian cartoon framing Russia as the preferred energy partner over the US. | HIGH (Fact/Signal) | Reinforces the strategic IO goal: demonstrating global alignment with the RF narrative, undermining Western sanction efficacy, and targeting US resolve during the kinetic phase. |
| Myrnohrad Exploitation | RF propaganda claims UAF forces authorized to leave Myrnohrad. (D-S belief 57%). | MEDIUM (Judgment) | RF is actively using IO to amplify tactical pressure points, forcing UAF C2 to react to the potential collapse of the Donetsk center/flank, diverting attention from Stepnohorsk. |
| UAF Internal Integrity | NABU/SAP expose major corruption ring led by an MP. | HIGH (Fact) | POSITIVE IO. This proactive demonstration of domestic rule of law provides a strong counter-narrative to RF claims of a failing, corrupt Ukrainian state, crucial during periods of high kinetic stress and financial strain (IMF). |
| Technological IO | UAF openly reports Ratel-S/Geran warhead adaptation. | HIGH (Fact) | POSITIVE IO. Projects competence, resilience, and rapid innovation to domestic and international partners, directly counteracting RF technological claims (e.g., "Kuryer" UGV). |
RF forces will sustain the MLD at Stepnohorsk, utilizing the Kuryer UGV and exploiting the P13 BDA delay. Concurrently, the 38th GMRB elements will increase pressure against the Myrnohrad/Donetsk axis, attempting to accelerate the UAF withdrawal into a disorderly retreat. RF StratCom will pivot the diplomatic narrative (Vance/IMF) to include specific local military "victories" (Myrnohrad claims) to demoralize forward UAF units.
Failure to confirm positive BDA (P13) on the MCLC effort forces the secondary BRAVO-BLOCK wave to commit dismounted, resulting in excessive attrition against the "Kuryer" UGV/anti-mobility layer. Simultaneously, the situation at Myrnohrad becomes untenable, requiring a mandatory, multi-brigade controlled withdrawal that forces the release of the UAF Tertiary Reserve to stabilize the central axis, leaving Stepnohorsk critically exposed to the 37th GMRB breakout.
| Event | Estimated Time Frame | Decision Point | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate MCLC BDA Confirmation (P13) | NLT 050830Z | J3/J2 MUST confirm status. If negative BDA persists, execute the Dismounted Breach Contingency (reiterate from MISREP 046). | CRITICAL MANEUVER |
| Decision on Myrnohrad Stability | NLT 051000Z | J3 must confirm the veracity of the Myrnohrad claims (P1 update) and decide whether to release local area Tactical Reserve to stabilize the position or execute a planned, coordinated withdrawal. | CRITICAL C2 DIVERGENCE |
| Ratel-S Counter-UGV Doctrine Dissemination | NLT 051200Z | J7/TECHINT must rapidly disseminate lessons learned and initial operating doctrine for the Ratel-S (Geran warhead) UGV for immediate integration at Stepnohorsk. | URGENT FORCE MULTIPLIER |
| Priority | Gap Description | Required Action | Confidence Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| P13 (CRITICAL - MANEUVER) | Confirmed success/failure of MCLC integration and attrition levels of lead BRAVO-BLOCK elements. (Unchanged) | IMMEDIATE ISR Tasking: Re-task all available Group 1/2 UAVs and airborne assets to provide live-feed, full-motion video of the breach zone (ALPHA-BRAVO corridor). | CRITICAL, dictates all immediate fires and maneuver decisions. |
| P1 (CRITICAL - FLANK) | Validated status of Myrnohrad UAF posture and precise vector/consolidation status of the 38th GMRB. | HUMINT/IMINT/EW: Confirm troop status at Myrnohrad. Priority IMINT on the movement vectors for the 38th GMRB to determine if they are exploiting the potential withdrawal or simply fixing the position. | HIGH, dictates final employment of uncommitted reserve elements. |
| P2 (CRITICAL - NEW EW THREAT) | "Kuryer" UGV Control Frequencies and C2 Protocol. (Unchanged) | IMMEDIATE SIGINT/EW Tasking: Priority collection around the Stepnohorsk breach zone. Focus on identifying RF C2 radio link emissions immediately preceding and during UGV movement. | CRITICAL, required to save lead armor and personnel from UGV attrition. |
ACTION: MITIGATE MYRNOHRAD RISK WHILE SUSTAINING STEPNOHORSK HOLD.
ACTION: TARGET FLANKING RESERVE AND ATTRIT AERIAL LAUNCH CAPACITY.
ACTION: COUNTER-NARRATIVE ON CORRUPTION AND ADVERSARY ATROCITIES.
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