Nightwatch logo
'Nightwatch' text with white and gray letters
Historical Intelligence

Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-12-10 19:13:02Z
2 months ago
Previous (2025-12-10 18:42:59Z)

INTELLIGENCE SITUATION REPORT (ISR) - OPERATIONAL UPDATE

TIME: 102000Z DEC 25

REFERENCE: Previous ISR 101900Z DEC 25; Daily Intelligence Summary 101501Z DEC 25


1. SITUATION OVERVIEW (SITREP)

1.1 Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain

The operational crisis on the Donetsk Axis (Pokrovsk direction) has transitioned from critical risk of encirclement to active urban defense, confirming a major RF breakthrough.

  • Donetsk Axis (Krasnoarmiysk/Myrnohrad): RF sources (Voenkory Russkoy Vesny/Operatsiya Z) claim that RF tanks have entered Krasnoarmiysk (Pokrovsk) itself, contradicting Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi's recent statements regarding UAF control. Drone footage from pro-RF sources confirms UAF personnel engaged in disorganized movements within the built-up area of Myrnohrad, suggesting a severe tactical setback and potential operational penetration. (Confidence: HIGH for Myrnohrad penetration; MEDIUM for tank presence in Pokrovsk city center—RF IO amplification likely).
  • Siversk/Kharkiv Axes: The Kharkiv direction is subject to low-level RF morale boosting operations, consistent with an effort to fix UAF reserves away from the primary Pokrovsk crisis point. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
  • Deep Logistics: No new kinetic updates on the Shyriaieve/Ivanivka corridor, but the threat remains acute given the need to reinforce Pokrovsk.

1.2 Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations

Assumed low visibility conditions persist, facilitating RF short-range infiltration and close-quarters urban combat, while complicating UAF long-range targeting and close air support (CAS) operations.

1.3 Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures

RF Dispositions: RF forces are employing armor (tanks and mechanized infantry) in a synchronized manner, immediately exploiting gaps created by heavy kinetic and thermobaric suppression (TOS-2). This indicates an aggressive, high-risk operational push to secure the Pokrovsk logistics hub.

UAF Dispositions: UAF command (CinC Syrskyi) is publicly committed to holding Pokrovsk, requiring immediate, large-scale reinforcement or activation of pre-planned counter-penetration reserves.


2. ENEMY ANALYSIS (RF THREAT ASSESSMENT)

2.1 Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action

INTENTION (OPERATIONAL): RF intent is to seize Pokrovsk NLT 110600Z DEC 25 to preemptively negate the positive impact of the scheduled UAF "Coalition of the Willing" meeting and disrupt the logistics spine of the Eastern Donbas defense.

CAPABILITIES:

  • Combined Arms Urban Breach: RF has demonstrated the capability to rapidly transition from preparatory suppression (TOS-2) to armored urban penetration, leveraging the shock effect to create tactical confusion (Myrnohrad footage). (Confidence: HIGH)
  • IO Synchronization: RF is executing near-simultaneous operational maneuvers and IO blitzes ("tanks in Pokrovsk") to inflict maximum cognitive damage on UAF command and international perception.

2.2 Recent Tactical Changes or Adaptations

The reported introduction of tanks into the immediate fighting for Krasnoarmiysk/Pokrovsk (the city complex) confirms RF willingness to risk valuable mechanized assets to achieve immediate strategic depth, indicating a high-priority push.

2.3 Logistics and Sustainment Status

Strategic logistical surge (260th GRAU base activity reported previously) is fueling this high-intensity kinetic action. However, persistent social media appeals for specialized gear from specific RF units (e.g., Arkhangel Spetsnaza) confirms ongoing logistical fissures at the tactical edge. (Confidence: MEDIUM)

2.4 Command and Control Effectiveness

RF C2 is highly centralized and effective in orchestrating this current offensive phase, evidenced by the rapid deployment of high-value suppression assets (TOS-2) followed immediately by high-value penetration assets (Tanks) into the breach.


3. FRIENDLY FORCES (BLUE FORCE TRACKING)

3.1 Ukrainian Force Posture and Readiness

UAF readiness is high, but the Pokrovsk crisis demands immediate activation of mobile reserves. The newly secured combat aviation assets must be integrated and deployed rapidly to address the armored breakthrough, despite the MDCOA threat of preemptive RF strikes against these assets.

3.2 Recent Tactical Successes or Setbacks

  • SUCCESS (STRATEGIC/FACT): President Zelenskyy confirmed the 30+ nation "Coalition of the Willing" meeting for tomorrow, maintaining diplomatic momentum.
  • SETBACK (TACTICAL/CRITICAL): Confirmed high-intensity urban combat in Myrnohrad, with substantial evidence of RF armored penetration towards the Pokrovsk logistics hub.

3.3 Resource Requirements and Constraints

CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: Immediate, persistent Close Air Support (CAS) or long-range FPV anti-armor strike capability to neutralize RF tanks operating inside the Pokrovsk/Myrnohrad built-up area. CONSTRAINT: UAF C2 must manage simultaneous pressure: immediate kinetic threat in Pokrovsk and diplomatic friction regarding election timing (US pressure) and "painful concessions" (Italian media reports).


4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (COGNITIVE DOMAIN)

4.1 Propaganda and Disinformation Campaigns

RF IO is focused on shattering confidence:

  1. Kinetic Victory: Asserting immediate control over Pokrovsk to render tomorrow's Coalition meeting irrelevant.
  2. Western Disunity: Amplification of reports that EU states oppose expropriation of frozen Russian assets, and reports of allied pressure on Zelenskyy for "painful concessions," designed to undermine Western resolve (Dempster-Shafer supports these friction points).

4.2 Public Sentiment and Morale Factors

UAF StratCom must counter the escalating kinetic claims by highlighting internal RF failure (suicide video claims, confirmed logistical appeals) while maximizing coverage of the Coalition meeting to reinforce the narrative of long-term victory.

4.3 International Support and Diplomatic Developments

Strategic diplomatic progress remains strong (Coalition meeting confirmed). However, analysts assess increased diplomatic friction:

  • Reports of US pressure on UAF regarding elections under martial law.
  • Italian PM Meloni allegedly urged "painful concessions" for peace.
  • Belgium and multiple EU states oppose full expropriation of frozen assets.

This friction creates vulnerabilities RF IO can exploit to destabilize the coalition ahead of critical materiel delivery decisions. (Confidence: HIGH)


5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS (FUTURE OPERATIONS)

5.1 Most Likely Enemy Courses of Action (MLCOA)

RF forces utilize the armored penetration of Myrnohrad/Krasnoarmiysk to secure the Pokrovsk rail and road intersection, forcing UAF units to execute a disorganized retrograde from surrounding defensive positions (e.g., Dimitrov pocket), NLT 110600Z DEC 25. (Confidence: HIGH)

  1. Logistics Seizure: RF will prioritize destroying or seizing the logistical infrastructure in Pokrovsk city proper.
  2. Flank Pressure: RF will intensify pressure on the northern flank (Drobysheve) and maintain diversionary activity in Kharkiv to prevent UAF C2 from stabilizing the Pokrovsk line.
  3. Maximum IO: High-production RF videos claiming victory in Pokrovsk will flood global media within the next 6 hours to influence the upcoming Coalition meeting.

5.2 Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA)

RF achieves an operational breakthrough at Pokrovsk, coupled with synchronized deep strikes against critical UAF C2 nodes (exploiting the previously noted Kuzmuk CI breach) or the newly acquired combat aviation assets, leading to a temporary paralysis of UAF strategic C2. (Confidence: MEDIUM)

  1. Operational Collapse: Unchecked RF armor advances beyond Pokrovsk to threaten the logistics corridors linking Slovyansk and Kramatorsk.
  2. Targeting Success: RF kinetic action successfully neutralizes the new UAF combat aviation capability before its deployment, removing the most potent counter-punch capability.

5.3 Timeline Estimates and Decision Points

EventEstimated TimelineDecision Point
Commit Anti-Armor Assets (Pokrovsk)IMMEDIATE (NLT 102200Z DEC 25)J3/Ground Forces Command must confirm the commitment of immediate anti-armor resources (CAS, FPVs, ATGM teams) to counter RF tanks in Myrnohrad/Krasnoarmiysk.
Finalize Diplomatic StanceNLT 110400Z DEC 25NCA/J7 must finalize messaging rejecting "painful concessions" and reaffirming the 20-point peace plan before the Coalition summit.
Controlled Retrograde DecisionNLT 102300Z DEC 25Local Commander must assess whether the Pokrovsk line is tenable under current armored pressure, preparing immediate emergency withdrawal if holding costs exceed strategic value.

ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMAND PRIORITY: STOP ARMORED PENETRATION AND DEFEND C2 INTEGRITY

CategoryActionPriorityExecution Order
ISR/TARGETING (J2/J3)IMMEDIATE ANTI-ARMOR DEPLOYMENT. Divert maximum available FPV drone swarms and precision fires (HIMARS, JDAM) to target confirmed RF tanks and mechanized infantry entering Krasnoarmiysk/Myrnohrad. Utilize the newly integrated combat aviation for CAS if weather permits.CRITICAL1
STRATCOM (P7/NCA)COUNTER-IO: DENY POKROVSK LOSS. National Command Authority must issue an immediate, public denial of the RF claim that Pokrovsk has fallen and amplify CinC Syrskyi's commitment. Juxtapose with footage/claims of low RF morale (e.g., suicide video, funding appeals).CRITICAL2
LOGISTICS/MANEUVER (J4/J3)SECURE REAR LINES. Deploy reserves and engineer assets to establish the next prepared defensive line immediately West of Pokrovsk to prevent MDCOA operational breakthrough. Reinforce SHORAD on the Shyriaieve/Ivanivka rail corridor.URGENT3
DIPLOMATIC (J7/NCA)ADDRESS FRICTION POINTS. Task diplomatic channels to proactively address the Italian "compromise" report and the EU "frozen assets" dispute NLT 110400Z DEC 25 to ensure maximum cohesion before the Coalition meeting.URGENT4

INTELLIGENCE GAPS AND COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS (CR)

CR PriorityIntelligence GapTarget/AreaCollection Task
CRITICALRF Armor Penetration Depth. Confirmation of the exact type and number of RF armored vehicles operating inside Krasnoarmiysk (Pokrovsk) and their current axis of advance.Pokrovsk City Center / Myrnohrad GLOCsIMMEDIATE FPV/Tactical Drone Reconnaissance and Ground Observer reporting.
HIGHUAF BDA Pokrovsk. Current combat effectiveness (CE) and remaining holdings of UAF units within the Myrnohrad/Krasnoarmiysk perimeter following combined arms assault.Myrnohrad Built-up AreaUrgent J3/Forward Observer reports and encrypted communications analysis.
HIGHEU Frozen Asset Stance. Specific EU member states opposing the expropriation of Russian frozen assets and the rationale for their opposition.EU Foreign Ministries / Brussels Diplomatic ChannelsHUMINT/OSINT/Diplomatic Reporting.
MEDIUMDnipropetrovsk Probe Confirmation. Force composition and exact location of RF elements advancing or probing in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (near Mezheva/Novopodhorodne).Dnipropetrovsk Border SectorsIncreased SIGINT monitoring of RF tactical radio traffic.
Previous (2025-12-10 18:42:59Z)

We only use optional analytics cookies if you allow them. Necessary cookies stay on for sign-in and site security.

Learn more in our Privacy Policy.