Archived operational intelligence briefing
The operational environment is characterized by the immediate convergence of the RF Main Land Drive (MLD) at Stepnohorsk (Zaporizhzhia) and accelerated RF deep strike campaigns targeting systemic energy and logistical networks.
Conditions remain clear across the Southern Operational Zone, facilitating high-altitude ISR and RF deep strike operations. Armored movement remains unconstrained by terrain, emphasizing the threat of Mangas aerial mining.
RF: RF maintains kinetic dominance in the deep battle space (Zelenodolsk, Zolotonosha vector) and continues preparatory operations. UAVs detected routing north toward Chernihiv (12:52Z), likely a fixation effort to draw AD attention away from the Southern axis. UAF: BRAVO-BLOCK reserve movement is confirmed as the primary operational maneuver. UAF counter-strike success (BUK destruction) improves local air superiority near the MLD epicenter.
RF immediate intent remains unchanged: Initiate MLD and achieve tactical breakthrough while collapsing UAF C2 and sustainment via energy infrastructure failure and logistical choke point targeting (Zolotonosha).
| Capability | Assessment | Change from Previous | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballistic Precision Strike | Confirmed capability to use multiple Iskander-M missiles (5x) against single, critical infrastructure targets (Zelenodolsk TPP). | Increased Accuracy/Severity. | HIGH |
| Energy System Collapse | Confirmed ability to induce involuntary NPP generation reduction by stressing the fixed grid structure. | Confirmed Operational Effect. | HIGH |
| Integrated IO/Escalation Justification | Rapid, high-level messaging (Kadyrov/TASS) frames large-scale missile strikes as direct retaliation (for Grozny attack), justifying escalation and promising continuation against VPK. | High synchronization. | HIGH |
The most significant tactical shift is the intensified use of ballistic missiles (Iskander-M) against secondary but critical power generation facilities (Zelenodolsk). This indicates RF is moving past initial strikes on distribution (substations) towards destruction of core generation capacity, increasing the severity of the energy crisis coinciding with the MLD.
RF Logistics: The confirmed strategic losses (Ryazan NPZ, Temryuk) are now being compensated for by a temporary increase in kinetic strike tempo, prioritizing speed of maneuver over long-term sustainment. RF C2 likely accepting higher risk of fuel shortage post-MLD launch. UAF Logistics: Grid instability (NPP reduction) directly threatens the ability to recharge electric motive assets (rail, specialized equipment) and run localized field hospitals/C2 centers.
RF C2 remains highly effective, demonstrating centralized strategic fire control and rapid synchronization of high-level propaganda (Kadyrov's immediate response to the Grozny attack) with kinetic activity. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
UAF forces are postured for defensive engagement and reserve counter-attack. Readiness remains high, but friction is being introduced through systemic energy stress and the Mangas threat. The successful destruction of the RF Buk SAM system (12:39Z) near the MLD AoA provides a local kinetic advantage that must be exploited immediately for ISR or F-22 (Fighter) support.
Setbacks:
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: Immediate exploitation of the air defense hole created by the BUK system destruction. CRITICAL CONSTRAINT: The MLD timing is converging with the peak effects of systemic energy degradation and logistics route contamination (Mangas mining).
RF IO is centered on Kinetic Justification and Western Incompetence:
Domestic morale management is currently effective. High-level appearances by President Zelenskyy synchronized with ZSU Day (Dec 6th) and the Military Prayer Breakfast successfully countered previous domestic friction (Skorod/TCC). The rapid public resource acquisition drive confirms high societal confidence and commitment. (HIGH CONFIDENCE)
Focus remains on economic coercion tactics by RF (frozen assets IO). No immediate shift in Western military commitment is noted, but RF is actively attempting to introduce friction.
(CRITICAL, HIGH CONFIDENCE) MLD Launch, Kinetic Escalation, and Reserve Interdiction. RF initiates the 37th GMRB MLD at Stepnohorsk NLT 2100Z 06 DEC. Concurrent Kh-101 strikes target the Zolotonosha rail bridge. RF assumes that the Mangas aerial mining will successfully slow or halt the BRAVO-BLOCK reserve movement, forcing them to commit MCLC assets piecemeal under fire. RF will increase the intensity of strikes on secondary energy nodes (e.g., thermal plants, hydroelectric facilities) across the rear area to maximize UAF C2 disruption during the kinetic phase.
(CRITICAL DANGER, HIGH CONFIDENCE) Operational Isolation via Logistical and Grid Collapse. RF successfully executes the MLCOA. Due to the compounded effects of grid instability (severing C2 links and limiting mobility/resupply) and Mangas interdiction, the BRAVO-BLOCK reserve fails to arrive in a cohesive manner. The 38th GMRB executes the Huliaipole flank maneuver (unseen due to ISR gaps), bypassing or encircling the primary UAF defensive line near Stepnohorsk.
| Decision Point | Event Trigger | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| D+0/H+1 (BUK Exploitation) | Launch of ISR/C-UAS strike packages (e.g., Bayraktar TB2, Switchblade) into the area where the BUK was neutralized. | NLT 1500Z 06 DEC |
| D+0/H+2 (BRAVO-BLOCK Check) | Confirmation of BRAVO-BLOCK mechanized elements crossing the Phase Line FOX and successful EW deployment against Mangas. | NLT 1600Z 06 DEC |
| D+0/H+8 (MLD Initiation) | Confirmed mass movement of 37th GMRB main armored echelons across the FLOT at Stepnohorsk. | NLT 2100Z 06 DEC |
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) | Confidence Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (MANEUVER / AIR SUPERIORITY): | Exploitation confirmation: Immediate impact on RF air defense coverage following the destruction of the BUK system near Stepnohorsk. | IMINT/UAS ISR. Focus on RF assets covering the MLD axis, specifically mobile AD (TOR/PANTSIR). | HIGH (New CR) |
| PRIORITY 2 (KINETIC THREAT - EW): | Precise C2 frequencies and Forward Operating Locations (FOLs) of the Mangas aerial mining UAS. | SIGINT/ELINT. Focused ISR on Zaporizhzhia depth and known RF artillery/launch zones. (Repeat CR) | MEDIUM |
| PRIORITY 3 (RF MANEUVER): | Confirmed forward movement or staging of the 38th GMRB on the Huliaipole flank (MDCOA confirmation). | IMINT/SAR. Focused coverage of rear areas East/South of Huliaipole (Repeat CR). | MEDIUM |
OPERATIONAL MANEUVER (J3): EXECUTE BUK EXPLOITATION AND PROTECT MOVEMENT CORRIDORS.
AIR DEFENSE ALLOCATION (J3/AD): ABSOLUTE PROTECTION OF ZOLOTONOSHA (Phase Line BRAVO Logistical Hub).
ELECTRONIC WARFARE / C-UAS (J6): PRIORITY EW DEPLOYMENT.
LOGISTICS REDUNDANCY (J4): DISTRIBUTED POWER AND MEDICAL SUSTAINMENT.
//END OF REPORT//
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