Archived operational intelligence briefing
The operational environment remains defined by the immediate threat of the Russian Federation (RF) Main Land Drive (MLD) at Stepnohorsk NLT 2100Z. RF forces are concluding final shaping operations across multiple axes, leveraging coordinated kinetic and cognitive pressure.
Freezing conditions persist. The nationwide 16-hour mandatory power restrictions (starting 07 DEC) remains the defining operational factor, severely constraining UAF logistical throughput, maintenance, and C2 resilience as the MLD approaches.
RF: RF forces are in the final countdown to Phase II (Execution). The 37th GMRB is in final assembly. Synchronization between strategic kinetic strikes (power grid) and the immediate exploitation of the political/diplomatic Information Operation (IO) demonstrates a high degree of cross-domain C2 effectiveness. UAF: UAF kinetic readiness is high. However, the critical failure to confirm the timely start and current trajectory of the BRAVO-BLOCK reserve movement (NLT 1600Z window passed) introduces maximum risk to the planned counter-attack strategy post-MLD. NCA remains under high stress due to compounded crises.
RF Intent is confirmed and refined: execute kinetic breakthrough at Stepnohorsk (T-4H) while simultaneously maximizing strategic logistical friction (power crisis) and generating cognitive paralysis (Peace Trap IO).
| Capability | Assessment | Change from Previous | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLD Initiation | Confirmed launch NLT 2100Z. | Unchanged | HIGH |
| Logistical Paralysis | Scale confirmed by RF reporting (428 munitions total strike). Strategic effect materialized (16H power cuts). | Reinforced/Validated | HIGH |
| Cognitive Paralysis (Peace Trap) | CRITICAL VALIDATION: Official UAF confirmation of the Zelenskyy/Kushner/Witkoff call (16:36Z) provides highest-level validation for RF narrative. | Maximum synchronization achieved | HIGH |
| Counter-UAF Deep Strike IO | RF pushing narrative that UAF strikes on NPZs are decreasing in effectiveness (17:00Z), attempting to mitigate domestic logistics concerns. | New IO theme identified | MEDIUM |
RF logistics are under pressure (UAF NPZ strikes), which they are actively attempting to mask via IO. UAF sustainment faces a systemic, immediate crisis due to the mandated 16-hour power outages, which will severely impact heavy rail movement required for the BRAVO-BLOCK reserve.
RF C2 is highly effective at cross-domain synchronization, achieving the highest level of coordination between kinetic warfare and strategic influence operations seen in recent weeks.
Kinetic posture remains defensive-aggressive, focused on pre-MLD attrition and reserve commitment. However, the operational tempo is critically hampered by the unconfirmed status and delayed start of the BRAVO-BLOCK reserve movement. The NCA must regain C2 over reserve timing immediately.
Setbacks:
Successes:
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT 1 (C2/Mobility): Immediate allocation of dedicated EW assets (Bukovel-AD) and operational MCLC leads to the BRAVO-BLOCK column path to neutralize the "Mangas" aerial mining threat and facilitate maximum speed. CRITICAL CONSTRAINT: The 16-hour power constraint introduces unacceptable friction into the logistical spine (rail network). Mobile generator units must be prioritized and deployed now to critical rail offload and refuel points.
The RF Information Warfare strategy has reached a peak synchronization point, converting diplomatic contact into strategic validation of their core narrative:
The convergence of the imminent MLD, the confirmed 16-hour power crisis, and the strategic IO concerning the Kushner/Witkoff call creates a severe test of national resilience. Without immediate, clear NCA communication, morale could fragment, impacting mobilization and defensive effort sustainment.
The RF goal is to foster doubt in international capitals regarding Ukraine's long-term commitment to victory. The "Peace Trap" IO specifically targets the US political debate and the EU's fragile unity (amplification of Orban previously noted).
(HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF initiates "Operation Guardians" (MLD) NLT 2100Z, employing the 37th GMRB. The kinetic momentum will be maximized by the RF assumption that the UAF counter-attack (BRAVO-BLOCK) will arrive significantly delayed and fragmented due to unresolved logistical/EW constraints, exacerbated by the national power crisis. The RF will consolidate a 5-8 km breach depth by 070600Z DEC 25.
(HIGH CONFIDENCE) Systemic Logistical and C2 Collapse. RF executes a follow-up deep strike NLT 1800Z against the Zolotonosha rail hub (as previously threatened), achieving kinetic paralysis of the central rail artery. This simultaneous severing of the Lviv-Zviahel-Dnipro bypass combined with the delayed BRAVO-BLOCK movement and the grid power crisis immobilizes the reserve en route. Forward UAF elements at Stepnohorsk, unable to receive Class V resupply, are then encircled by the 38th GMRB flanking maneuver (Huliaipole bypass).
| Decision Point | Event Trigger | Time Estimate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| D+0/H+0 (BRAVO-BLOCK Status) | Confirmation of current location, speed, and EW/MCLC operational readiness of the reserve column. | NLT 1730Z 06 DEC | IMMEDIATE/CRITICAL |
| D+0/H+1 (Buk Void Exploitation) | Execution of massed deep strikes against confirmed 37th GMRB assembly areas. | NLT 1800Z 06 DEC | IMMEDIATE/CRITICAL |
| D+0/H+2 (C2/Logistics Triage) | Confirmation of dedicated mobile power allocation to critical military C2 and rail/fuel hubs. | NLT 1900Z 06 DEC | CRITICAL |
| D+0/H+4 (MLD Initiation) | Confirmed mass movement of 37th GMRB armored elements across the FLOT. | NLT 2100Z 06 DEC | CONFIRMED |
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) | Confidence Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 (MANEUVER): | Immediate current status and ETA of the BRAVO-BLOCK reserve movement. What specific delays occurred post-1600Z, and are MCLC leads and EW systems effectively integrated? | HUMINT/SIGINT. Dedicated real-time transit telemetry from MCLC and rear echelon command. | HIGH |
| PRIORITY 2 (LOGISTICS/ENERGY): | Verification of mobile generator deployment and specific power allocation status for Dnipro and Zviahel rail junctions under the new curtailment plan. | INFRASTRUCTURE INT./HUMINT. Verification of asset deployment and allocation schedules. | HIGH |
| PRIORITY 3 (FLANK THREAT): | Confirmation of the 38th GMRB posture at Huliaipole. Is the force massing for breakthrough (MDCOA trigger), or fixing (MLCOA trigger)? | ISR/SAR. Persistent stare on known 38th GMRB assembly areas and forward operating bases. | MEDIUM |
OPERATIONAL MANEUVER & FORCE PROTECTION (J3/J6): FORCE THE RESERVE MOVEMENT AND ATTACK THE VOID.
LOGISTICS & SUSTAINMENT (J4/J8): SECURE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH POWER TRIAGE.
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS (P7/G2): COUNTER-NARRATIVE: DEFEAT PEACE TRAP.
//END OF REPORT//
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