Archived operational intelligence briefing
The operational tempo remains high preceding the assessed Main Land Drive (MLD) initiation at Stepnohorsk (Zaporizhzhia Oblast).
Freezing temperatures and strong, stormy winds (07 DEC) remain the critical environmental constraints.
RF: RF elements are in final staging. C2 demonstrates operational coherence, simultaneously promoting deep air capabilities (Su-35 night operations, 13:43Z) and initiating a massive, focused Information Warfare (IO) campaign against the EU (see Section 4). UAF: BRAVO-BLOCK reserve movement is the immediate priority. The confirmed AD gap presents a high-gain opportunity for pre-emptive attrition strikes. Air raid warnings have cleared the immediate Zaporizhzhia area (13:58Z), signaling the end of the preparatory strike phase and the imminent start of the ground assault.
RF intent remains kinetic breakthrough at Stepnohorsk NLT 2100Z 06 DEC, capitalizing on temporary logistical and political vulnerabilities identified in the previous reports.
| Capability | Assessment | Change from Previous | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tactical AD Coverage | CRITICALLY DEGRADED on the MLD axis due to confirmed BUK destruction. RF must rely exclusively on mobile short-range assets (TOR/PANTSIR) and heavy fighter cover (Su-35). | Significant Degradation. | HIGH |
| Air Operations (Fixed-wing) | RF maintains operational tempo and promotes the use of advanced fighters (Su-35) for night close air support/interdiction, attempting to compensate for AD deficiencies. | Sustained Tempo. | HIGH |
| Deep Strike Targeting | Remains fixed on Zolotonosha (logistical center of gravity) and residual energy infrastructure. | Fixed. | HIGH |
The primary tactical adaptation observed is the attempt to leverage strategic air cover (Su-35) to replace the lost area denial provided by the static BUK systems. RF remains committed to the MLD timeline despite the tactical AD setback, underscoring the urgency driven by internal logistical constraints (fuel shortage post-Ryazan).
Strategic constraints (Ryazan NPZ, Shell Casing factory) are compounded by confirmed rear-area tactical friction (Pervomaiske food warehouse destruction). The SGF must execute the MLD rapidly before Class I, III, and V shortages become acute.
RF C2 is highly effective in synchronizing the military MLD launch with a high-impact, coordinated Information Warfare campaign targeting Western political cohesion (see Section 4). This synchronization suggests a coherent strategy across all domains.
Posture is defensive, with active measures to shape the battlefield (Haichur mining) and exploit RF AD vulnerabilities (Buk destruction). Readiness is high, supported by the national morale boost from ZSU Day and confirmed kinetic successes.
Successes:
Setbacks:
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: Immediate allocation of ISR and strike assets to exploit the BUK AD void (NLT 1500Z). CRITICAL CONSTRAINT: The limited window before MLD initiation and the need for dedicated Mine Clearing Line Charge (MCLC) lead for the BRAVO-BLOCK reserve movement under adverse weather conditions.
RF IO effort has significantly intensified and focused its vectors (HIGH CONFIDENCE).
Domestic morale remains robust, leveraging ZSU Day to reinforce the narrative of decisive defense and active modernization (F-16 inclusion). The IO battle is currently focused on external support cohesion rather than internal UAF degradation.
The coordinated RF IO campaign poses an immediate risk to the perception of Western resolve. The amplification of the EU dissolution narrative, specifically timed to the MLD, seeks to create diplomatic paralysis at a crucial military juncture.
(CRITICAL, HIGH CONFIDENCE) MLD Launch and Exploitation of AD Vacuum. RF initiates the 37th GMRB MLD at Stepnohorsk NLT 2100Z 06 DEC. Concurrent heavy Kh-101/UAV strikes target the Zolotonosha logistical node. RF relies on limited mobile AD (TOR/PANTSIR) and Su-35 air cover to support the penetration depth. Mangas UAS minefields will slow the BRAVO-BLOCK reserve, forcing them to commit piecemeal against the RF advance elements.
(CRITICAL DANGER, HIGH CONFIDENCE) Flank Bypass and Operational Isolation. RF successfully executes the MLCOA. Despite UAF efforts (Haichur mining), the 38th GMRB (Huliaipole flank) executes a rapid, unobserved bypass maneuver, forcing the Southern Front defenses to redeploy under fire. Combined with a successful Zolotonosha strike, the operational area becomes isolated, leading to the collapse of the forward defenses and potential encirclement of critical UAF C2 nodes.
| Decision Point | Event Trigger | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| D+0/H+0 (BUK Exploitation Strike) | Launch of deep-strike packages into the confirmed BUK neutralization zone. | NLT 1500Z 06 DEC |
| D+0/H+2 (Reserve Transit Initiation) | Confirmation of BRAVO-BLOCK MCLC/EW-led mechanized elements crossing Phase Line FOX. | NLT 1600Z 06 DEC |
| D+0/H+7 (Logistics Check) | Confirmation of Zolotonosha AD integrity and rail traffic flow persistence following anticipated P4 strike. | NLT 2000Z 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 / AD HOLE EXPLOITATION): | Confirmation of residual RF mobile AD assets (TOR/PANTSIR) coverage for the 37th GMRB MLD approach. | IMINT/UAS ISR. Focus on 5km depth zone west of Stepnohorsk, looking for tracked/wheeled AD systems in dispersal. | HIGH |
| PRIORITY 2 (RF IO COUNTER-STRATEGY): | Detailed analysis of the volume and specific sourcing of the RF IO campaign regarding EU dissolution (Musk), to establish its origin and maximum propagation reach. | OSINT/HUMINT. Focused monitoring of RF state media, affiliated Telegram channels, and proxy amplifiers. | HIGH (Refined CR) |
| PRIORITY 3 (RF MANEUVER): | Confirmed staging or rapid movement of the 38th GMRB on the Huliaipole flank (MDCOA confirmation). | IMINT/SAR. Focused coverage of rear areas East/South of Huliaipole. Confirm if Haichur bridge mining affects 38th GMRB AoA. | MEDIUM |
OPERATIONAL MANEUVER (J3): IMMEDIATE AD VOID SATURATION AND ATTRITION.
AIR DEFENSE ALLOCATION (J3/AD): HARDEN ZOLOTONOSHA AND C2 NODES.
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS (P7/G2): NEUTRALIZE RF IO FRAGMENTATION EFFORT.
FORCE PROTECTION (J2/J3): COUNTER-BYPASS INTELLIGENCE FOCUS.
//END OF REPORT//
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