Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 101100Z DEC 2025 AOR: Pokrovsk Operational Axis (Donetsk Oblast) & Strategic Information Environment (SIE) ANALYST JUDGMENT: The tactical situation in the Pokrovsk axis has deteriorated further, reaching the point of operational isolation for forward UAF elements in Myrnohrad/Dimitrov. This kinetic pressure is synchronized with an aggressive Russian Federation (RF) information campaign aimed at exploiting both strategic diplomatic leaks (WP Peace Plan) and recent severe Ukrainian Operational Security (OPSEC) failures (WSJ drone article). The immediate objective is stabilization and controlled withdrawal from the Myrnohrad salient, while simultaneously launching a robust counter-disinformation effort.
The RF operational exploitation is rapidly transitioning the Myrnohrad (formerly Dimitrov/Krasnoarmiyske) sector from contested ground to a functional operational cordon.
Persistent low visibility favors RF close-air support and mechanized penetration. The previous assessment regarding the Pechenihy Dam hydro-weaponization remains a strategic constraint on reserve deployment in Kharkiv.
| Capability | Assessment | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Tactical Exploitation (Pokrovsk) | High capability to transition Myrnohrad isolation into the commencement of the operational encirclement of Pokrovsk city within 36 hours. | HIGH |
| Air Superiority/Standoff Strike | Sustained ability to employ high volumes of KABs in multiple sectors (Zaporizhzhia, Sumy), degrading UAF defenses and CNI, and suppressing reserve movements. | HIGH |
| IO/Political Warfare Synchronization | Exceptional ability to immediately exploit UAF OPSEC failures (WSJ drone leak) and diplomatic leaks (WP Peace Plan) to simultaneously discredit UAF competence and erode Western will. | HIGH |
| Intentions (Strategic) | Force Ukrainian National Command Authority (NCA) into accepting a non-negotiated ceasefire based on current RF gains (Korean Model), using Pokrovsk's fall as the kinetic leverage. | HIGH |
The RF is effectively coordinating kinetic assaults with immediate, targeted information release. The use of specific unit branding (e.g., Rubicon MoD unit video) serves dual purposes: unit morale boost and external projection of controlled operational success.
No evidence of RF logistics failure. The sustained KAB tempo requires reliable airbase and munition supply chains. RF domestic messaging prioritizes internal stability and social policy (TASS, State Duma actions), projecting stability despite the ongoing conflict.
RF strategic C2 remains effective, particularly in synchronizing media coverage (TASS, pro-war channels) with tactical developments. RF counter-intelligence (Kaliningrad GUR arrests) demonstrates continued capacity for disruption deep within RF territory.
Posture is critically stressed in the Donetsk Oblast. The fragmentation and isolation of forces in the Myrnohrad/Dimitrov salient represent a significant operational loss. Readiness requires rapid re-deployment and establishment of a credible defensive line west/southwest of Pokrovsk city.
The most urgent constraint is the gap between the defensive line being broken near Myrnohrad and the next established line. This requires immediate commitment of pre-positioned tactical reserves. The OPSEC breach demands an immediate review of all long-range drone/SOF logistical chains.
The SIE is characterized by two converging, highly damaging narratives:
Internal sentiment is under extreme pressure from battlefield losses (Myrnohrad) overlaid with strategic uncertainty (WP leak) and domestic political infighting/corruption reports. The Russian media projection of normalcy (school schedules, tax breaks, celebrities) contrasts sharply with the kinetic reality, aiming to create a cognitive dissonance that favors RF stability narratives.
The Polish MiG-29 development is positive, confirming continued, albeit cautious, military support. However, the Vatican official's alleged criticism of Trump (10:02Z) signals continued strategic instability in Western political alliances, reinforcing the high political risk surrounding the WP peace plan leak.
RF forces will consolidate the Myrnohrad operational area and transition to phase two of the Pokrovsk encirclement, supported by escalating political warfare utilizing the recent OPSEC breach.
RF exploits the defensive line failure near Pokrovsk with sufficient speed to bypass prepared secondary defenses, causing a widespread operational collapse across the entire western Donetsk front, coupled with targeted assassination/decapitation strikes enabled by compromised OPSEC.
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIORITY 1 | RF Targeting Intent Post-WSJ Leak. Identify specific RF intelligence analysis/discussions concerning identified personnel, drone types, or logistical paths mentioned in the WSJ article. | SIGINT/HUMINT: Intercepts or sources detailing RF targeting package compilation for deep UAV/SOF assets. | S./H. |
| PRIORITY 2 | Pokrovsk Secondary Defense Readiness. Confirmation of whether UAF tactical reserves have successfully established and hardened the planned defensive lines west of Myrnohrad. | IMINT/HUMINT: ISR confirmation of force density, barrier placement, and engineering activities along the projected fallback line. | M./H. |
| PRIORITY 3 | Myrnohrad Exfiltration Success. Final confirmation of the survival rate and equipment loss sustained by the UAF units ordered to withdraw from the Myrnohrad salient. | HUMINT/IMINT: Post-strike BDA and headcount from consolidating units in rear areas. | H./M. |
| Recommendation | Priority | Supporting Rationale | Responsible Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execute "Zero-Time" OPSEC Review and Relocation | IMMEDIATE | The WSJ publication of the "Pautyna" operation details is a catastrophic compromise. J2 (Counter-Intelligence) must immediately assume all associated personnel, logistics, and manufacturing locations are compromised and order emergency relocation/rotation. | J2 CI, GUR |
| Establish Hardened Inner Defense Line (Pokrovsk) | IMMEDIATE | Given the functional collapse of the Myrnohrad perimeter, J3 must prioritize engineering and reserve deployment to establish a high-confidence, fortified line immediately west of Pokrovsk to prevent the MDCOA breakthrough. | J3 Operations, J4 Engineering |
| Launch Coordinated Counter-IO on Governance | URGENT | The convergence of strategic peace uncertainty and domestic corruption leaks (Mindich, Ivano-Frankivsk) is toxically demoralizing. P7 (StratCom) must shift the focus from "integrity campaigns" to proactive punitive action, emphasizing arrests and trials of high-profile corrupt individuals to demonstrate resolve. | P7 StratCom, NCA/SBI |
| Expedite MiG-29 Transfer Integration | URGENT | The positive signal from Poland must be converted into immediate capability. J5/J8 must eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and prepare ground crews, technical logistics, and forward operating bases for immediate reception and deployment of the Polish MiG-29s. | J5 Planning, Air Force Command |
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