Archived operational intelligence briefing
TIME: 120600Z DEC 25 SUBJECT: SKDA PREPARATORY FIRE IMMINENT; RF ADVERSARY EXPANDS DEEP BATTLE INTERDICTION; UAF STRIKE ON TVER CONFIRMED.
The operational crisis remains centered on the Slovyansk-Kramatorsk Defensive Agglomeration (SKDA). RF operational pincer continues to tighten, exploiting the northern breach at Siversk and maintaining urban combat inside Konstantinovka (RF claim 45% control).
KEY DEVELOPMENT (Deep Battle Escalation): The deep battle zone has broadened substantially. UAF strikes are confirmed to have impacted targets in Tver Oblast (RF). Simultaneously, RF deep interdiction efforts are expanding, with confirmed hostile UAV tracks detected simultaneously in Dnipropetrovsk (Pavlohrad focus), North Kharkiv, and North Sumy regions.
No significant changes. Low visibility in the morning hours (fog/haze) continues to facilitate low-altitude UAV infiltration and reconnaissance missions across the deep operational rear.
UAF forces in the SKDA remain at high alert (DEFCON 2) against the anticipated artillery barrage NLT 130000Z DEC. Critical AD assets are currently tasked with tracking and intercepting the UAV targeting Pavlohrad. The detection of two additional northern tracks (Kharkiv, Sumy) requires immediate reallocation of limited regional AD assets.
RF intent is to collapse the SKDA through kinetic saturation while maximizing logistical disruption in the UAF rear and achieving simultaneous hybrid warfare objectives.
| Domain | Capability / Action | Intention | Assessment | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Fire (SKDA) | Execution of high-volume preparatory fire NLT 130000Z DEC (enabled by the 260th GRAU cargo movement). | Precede armored breakthrough on the Siversk-Konstantinovka axis. | The time window is closing; logistical pre-positioning is complete. | HIGH (Judgment) |
| Kinetic Interdiction (Deep) | Multi-vector deployment of Long-Range UAS (Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy). | Saturate and Misdirect UAF Air Defense while simultaneously striking critical logistics nodes (e.g., Pavlohrad rail). | The sudden expansion to three active tracks suggests a concerted effort to stress UAF AD capabilities. | HIGH (Fact/Judgment) |
| Information Warfare (IO) | Amplification of Western military/financial weakness (PRO cost narrative). | Undermine confidence in US/NATO commitment and discourage the funding of new long-term assistance programs for Ukraine. | Corroborated by TASS release focusing on US 'Golden Dome' cost. | HIGH (Fact) |
The confirmed shift to simultaneous, multi-regional UAV interdiction (Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk) is a crucial tactical adaptation. This tactic forces UAF AD to either prioritize critical national infrastructure (Kyiv/Caspian response) or front-line sustainment (Pavlohrad), significantly complicating the Defensive Decision Cycle.
The 260th GRAU cargo remains the central logistical threat. The fact that it is mobile but untracked represents the highest operational risk. RF is managing to sustain this massive logistical surge while simultaneously responding to UAF deep strikes (Tver).
RF C2 is demonstrating effective synchronization across the domains (kinetic barrage timeline, multi-vector UAV deployment, and global IO launch). Internal C2 appears focused on morale stabilization (VDV/milblogger incident), suggesting localized PSYOP targeting by UAF or internal friction is being managed.
Readiness is high but severely tested by the multi-domain threat. AD resources are nearing saturation levels due to the simultaneous tracks. Frontline troops in the SKDA are prepared for counter-battery fire but remain critically exposed to the predicted TOS-2 threat.
The immediate constraint is Air Defense capability vs. target density. A rapid prioritization matrix is required to allocate AD assets (Shilka/Gepard/NASAMS) between the Pavlohrad, Kharkiv, and Sumy threats. Strategic StratCom resources are constrained by the simultaneous need to counter the 'Tribunal' and the 'DMZ Sovereignty' narratives.
The RF hybrid campaign remains focused on dual-track demoralization:
UAF deep strike successes (Tver) are vital for maintaining national morale amidst the SKDA crisis. Failure to intercept the Pavlohrad UAV, however, would be a major psychological and logistical blow. The successful management of the SZCh-reassigned personnel remains a critical internal cohesion factor under intense fire.
The RF strategy is to frame Ukraine as financially and militarily unsustainable (via cost narratives) and politically illegitimate (via the Tribunal/DMZ narrative). The convergence of these narratives aims to prompt conditional aid or forced negotiations from Western capitals NLT the New Year.
| Event | Estimated Timeline | Decision Point | Commander/Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAV Interdiction Decision | T+0 to T+01:00 HR | AD PRIORITY REALLOCATION: Immediate decision on which target (Pavlohrad, Sumy, Kharkiv) receives primary AD protection (NASAMS/Patriot/Gepard). Pavlohrad remains the highest kinetic priority. | J3 / Air Command |
| SKDA Fire Preparation Peak | NLT 130000Z DEC | CBF EXECUTION: Confirmation of heavy RF fire volume (e.g., first confirmed TOS-2 salvos) triggers immediate, predetermined saturation counter-fire (Plan Delta). | J3 / OC East |
| IO/Legal Counter-Launch | IMMEDIATE (T+0 to T+04:00 HR) | REJECT DMZ/TRIBUNAL: High-level government statement rejecting the legal premise of the RF 'Tribunal' and the 'DMZ Sovereignty' claim. | StratCom / MFA |
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) | Confidence Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 (LOGISTICS/BDA - CRITICAL) | Precise location and dispersal status of the 260th GRAU cargo. Is it at rail choke points (Ilovaisk/Volnovakha) or already dispersed to forward firing positions? | IMINT/SAR (REAL-TIME): Continuous monitoring of all key logistical hubs and likely pre-positioning areas for deep-strike targeting. | LOW |
| P2 (ENEMY INTENT - URGENT) | Specific target priority for the UAV tracks currently inbound to North Kharkiv and North Sumy. Are these reconnaissance, decoys, or dedicated strike missions? | ISR/SIGINT/EW: Aggressive deployment of EW assets to monitor C2 links and attempt to exploit navigation data for target identification. | MEDIUM |
| P3 (IO RESPONSE - CRITICAL) | Detailed policy response from key NATO partners (US, UK, Germany) regarding the 'Tribunal' narrative and potential conditions on the continuity of strategic aid. | HUMINT/SIGINT (DIPLOMATIC): Immediate assessment of discussions regarding potential compromises or changes to aid policy. | LOW |
| Priority | Domain | Action | Commander/Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. AIR DEFENSE (J3 / AIR COMMAND) - CRITICAL | Kinetic Defense / Resource Allocation | PAVLOHRAD SHIELD & SUMY/KHARKIV INTERDICT: Designate Pavlohrad as the absolute AD priority (Tier 1 protection). Allocate flexible, mobile AD/gun systems (Shilka/Gepard) to immediately intercept or disrupt the UAV tracks in the Sumy and Kharkiv sectors to mitigate risk to regional infrastructure. | Air Command / J3 |
| 2. TARGETING (J2/J3) - CRITICAL | Fire Support / LRPF | DEEP STRIKE GRAU CARGO: Reconfirm the highest targeting priority on the 260th GRAU cargo. If precise location is confirmed en route (Ilovaisk/Volnovakha), execute immediate LRPF strike to reduce anticipated 13 DEC fire lethality by minimum 50%. | Joint Staff / FAC |
| 3. STRATCOM / DIPLOMATIC (P7/MFA) - CRITICAL | Information/Diplomacy | COUNTER-PROPAGANDA FUSION: Immediately link the Tver strike BDA (UAF success) with the rejection of the RF 'Tribunal' and 'DMZ Sovereignty' narratives. Exploit the internal RF friction (milblogger incident) to project institutional weakness within the aggressor's ranks. | StratCom / Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| 4. MANEUVER (OC East) | Force Protection / CBF | PRE-EMPTIVE CBF STANCE: Position long-range counter-battery assets (HIMARS, etc.) with pre-calculated firing solutions and maximum available ammunition. Authorization for immediate, massive pre-emptive counter-fire against suspected TOS-2 forward deployment sites NLT 121800Z DEC. | OC East / FAC |
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.