OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SITUATION REPORT (O-SITREP)
DTG: 130000Z DEC 25
SUBJECT: DECISIVE KINETIC PHASE CONFIRMED // CRITICAL COUNTER-MINING REQUIRED // AD ASSETS STRESSED
1. SITUATION OVERVIEW (SIT-SUM)
The enemy (RF) has achieved full synchronization of its multi-domain preparatory fires ahead of the anticipated ground assault on the Slovyansk-Kramatorsk Defensive Hub (SKDH). The immediate operational environment is characterized by sustained deep strike pressure across Southern, Eastern, and Central Ukraine, designed to exhaust UAF Air Defense (AD) assets and disrupt logistics simultaneously with maximum fire preparation in the Donbas. The critical new threat—UAV remote mining—requires immediate tactical countermeasures.
1.1 Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain
- SKDH Nexus (Donetsk): Preparatory fires, including KAB strikes (confirmed in Eastern Kharkiv) and anticipated massed artillery from the 260th GRAU payload, are focused on softening defenses along the Pokrovsk-Kramatorsk axis. The loss of Siversk and probable loss of Pokrovsk means the SKDH is highly vulnerable to a pincer movement.
- Southern Axis (Odesa): Multiple groups of RF Shahed UAVs continue to target Odesa, specifically focusing on the Usatovo and Mayaky areas. This targeting pattern confirms RF intent to strike high-value energy infrastructure and the remaining functional port logistics outside the immediate city center, following the strike on the Turkish commercial vessel. (FACT/HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Inland Zones: Confirmed explosions in Dnipro and the reported flight path of a UAV toward Sumy indicate RF's continued ability to bypass or penetrate Air Defense in the operational rear.
1.2 Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations
Clear conditions continue to favor RF operations, supporting the effective use of deep-strike kinetic assets (KABs, long-range UAVs) and maximizing ISR collection.
1.3 Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures
- RF Forces: RF is transitioning from the preparatory phase into the assault phase (Kinetic Saturation P1). The tactical priority is now isolating the SKDH via fire superiority and operational mobility denial (UAV mining).
- UAF Forces: UAF commitment remains maximum (Defensive Posture P1 in the East). AD assets are highly distributed and stressed by the simultaneous kinetic threats across three axes (KABs East/North, UAVs South, Deep Strikes Central). Tactical reserves are on immediate commit status (Ready-5).
2. ENEMY ANALYSIS (THREAT ASSESSMENT)
2.1 Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action
- Primary Kinetic Intention: Achieve localized air and fire superiority over the SKDH to enable mechanized exploitation within the next 6 hours.
- CRITICAL NEW THREAT (UAV Remote Mining): The integration of remote mining technology into the Shahed platform allows RF to achieve immediate, scalable, and non-linear route interdiction. This capability is intended to prevent UAF reserves and logistics (specifically the 3 OSHB rear guard) from stabilizing the front line along the T0513/H20 routes. (JUDGMENT/HIGH CONFIDENCE)
- Targeting Precision: The confirmed use of civilian infrastructure (residential repeaters, Belief 0.152 previous report) has improved the precision and resistance to EW for massed UAV attacks on critical rear-area targets (Odesa/Dnipro).
2.2 Recent Tactical Changes or Adaptations
RF continues multi-domain synchronization. The most recent shift is the specific targeting refinement in the Odesa area (focusing on Usatovo/Mayaky), confirming the objective is to degrade the remaining energy infrastructure and port access points west of the main city.
2.3 Logistics and Sustainment Status
The 260th GRAU payload is now assessed as being in the final offloading or staging phase. The operational window for a mission-killing deep strike has closed. RF focus has shifted to maximizing the delivery of the payload onto UAF positions. (JUDGMENT/HIGH CONFIDENCE)
2.4 Command and Control Effectiveness
RF C2 remains robust, successfully coordinating fire missions, long-range deep strikes, and the deployment of new, high-impact tactical capabilities (UAV mining).
3. FRIENDLY FORCES (BLUE FORCE TRACKING)
3.1 Ukrainian Force Posture and Readiness
Readiness is maximum in the East. UAF AD units are operating at high tempo due to sustained pressure on Odesa and confirmed strikes in Dnipro.
3.2 Recent Tactical Successes or Setbacks
- Success (Tactical): Confirmation of a successful FPV drone strike (Unmanned Systems Forces) against an RF target, documented with a morale-boosting video (21:49Z).
- Setback (Operational): The confirmed ability of RF deep strikes (UAVs/missiles) to penetrate AD coverage in major cities (Odesa, Dnipro) simultaneously with high-tempo kinetic operations in the East strains resource availability and exposes logistics hubs.
- Setback (Diplomatic): The diplomatic fallout (Paris cancellation, slow EU timeline) continues to overshadow the kinetic fight, providing RF with propaganda material.
3.3 Resource Requirements and Constraints
The immediate constraint is the lack of dedicated, prepared engineering and EOD assets to rapidly counter the UAV remote mining threat on key logistics routes (T0513, H20). Advanced AD munitions stocks are being rapidly depleted mitigating KAB and massed UAV attacks.
4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (COGNITIVE DOMAIN)
4.1 Propaganda and Disinformation Campaigns
- RF Kinetic Confirmation: RF military bloggers are confirming offensive kinetic intent in Southern Ukraine (referencing "shugaring" in Khadzhibey/Odesa region, 21:56Z). This reinforces the narrative of sustained RF offensive action.
- Internal RF Focus: TASS publishing domestic news (sick leave payments) serves to normalize the war effort for the domestic audience and project an image of internal stability, contrasting with the narratives of Allied disunity RF is simultaneously amplifying.
- UAF Morale: UAF forces are successfully generating counter-narratives of resolve (FPV strike video featuring symbolic allied support).
4.2 Public Sentiment and Morale Factors
Public anxiety is elevated due to the confirmed strikes in Odesa and Dnipro. Local operational readiness (Air Force warnings, explosions) confirms the immediacy of the kinetic threat.
4.3 International Support and Diplomatic Developments
The operational situation requires UAF diplomatic leadership to counter the RF narrative that internal allied disagreements (Paris, EU timetable) are leading to Ukraine's isolation at this critical kinetic juncture.
5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS (P-AN)
TIME HORIZON: Next 6 Hours (NLT 130600Z DEC 25)
5.1 Most Likely Enemy Course of Action (MLCOA)
Immediate Artillery Saturation and Route Isolation (HIGH CONFIDENCE):
- SKDH Assault Initiation: The 260th GRAU payload is deployed, initiating the maximum intensity preparatory fire phase against UAF defensive positions south of Kramatorsk (targeting Konstantinovka approaches).
- Operational Interdiction (CRITICAL): RF uses the new UAV remote mining capability to drop mines across the T0513 and H20 routes (Konstantinovka-Kramatorsk GLOCs) to interdict the movement of UAF reserves (3 OSHB) and prevent resupply before the mechanized exploitation begins.
- Feint/AD Stress: Sustained, high-density UAV attacks continue on Odesa, Mykolaiv, and potentially Dnipro, pinning UAF AD assets away from the SKDH critical sector.
5.2 Most Dangerous Enemy Course of Action (MDCOA)
Operational Blockade and Strategic Deterrence (HIGH CONFIDENCE):
- Blockade: RF successfully isolates the SKDH pocket using UAV remote mining to block all GLOCs, denying UAF forces the ability to maneuver reserves or conduct tactical withdrawal, leading to rapid force exhaustion in the East.
- Strategic Escalation: RF uses the "Dirty Bomb" pretext (as established in IO) to justify a non-conventional strike aimed at deterring further Western military assistance, perhaps focused on a strategic target far from the contact line.
5.3 Timeline Estimates and Decision Points
| Event | Estimated Timeline | Decision Point/Action Trigger |
|---|
| RF Artillery Max Volley | NLT 130100Z DEC | Trigger: Confirmed simultaneous firing of 20+ heavy artillery pieces (152mm/203mm) in the Donetsk sector. Action: Immediate execution of the full P1 Counter-Battery (CB) fire plan, focusing on pre-identified GRAU assembly areas. |
| UAV Minefield Initiation | NLT 130230Z DEC | Trigger: First credible visual or SIGINT confirmation of mine deployment (e.g., mine canisters observed, or communication chatter related to UAV payload deployment near T0513/H20). Action: IMMEDIATE implementation of Route Protocol RED, deploying specialized counter-mining EOD/SSO teams to scout and clear. |
| RF Mechanized Push | NLT 130400Z DEC | Trigger: RF mechanized units (assumed lead elements of RF 3rd Army) breach the secondary defense line west of Pokrovsk. Action: Commit Ready-5 reserve elements to pre-designated FPV saturation defense lines to fix RF armor NLT 130400Z DEC. |
6. INTELLIGENCE GAPS AND COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS (CCIR)
| Priority | Gap Description | Collection Requirement (CR) | Confidence Assessment |
|---|
| P1 (CRITICAL) | Real-time coordinates of the 260th GRAU final staging area or the specific grids targeted for maximum saturation fire. | IMINT/SAR tasking on known high-density railheads (Ilovaisk, Volnovakha) and deep-area artillery assembly points in occupied Donetsk. Strike window remains narrow. | MEDIUM |
| P1 (CRITICAL) | Specific characteristics, scatter pattern, and effective range of the new UAV Remote Mining System. Identification of current deployment zones. | CRITICAL SIGINT/TECHINT targeting RF EW and UAV operational channels. Focus on locating deployment zones near routes T0513 and H20 immediately. | MEDIUM |
| P2 (URGENT) | Specific source/nature of the Dnipro explosion (Missile vs. UAV vs. IADS failure). | Immediate BDA verification via UAV and local reporting assets to adjust IADS posture in Central Ukraine. | LOW |
| P2 (URGENT) | Specific target BDA of the recent KAB strikes in Eastern Kharkiv (AD assets vs. logistics vs. command posts). | Dedicated UAV/IMINT follow-up on Kharkiv strike zones. Essential for ensuring northern logistics resilience. | MEDIUM |
7. ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS (ACTION-REC)
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PRIORITY KINETIC RESPONSE (J3/OC EAST): COUNTER-MOBILITY.
- Action A (CRITICAL): Transition immediately from interdicting the GRAU payload en route to maximizing the effectiveness of Counter-Battery (CB) fire against the confirmed and suspected high-volume firing positions NLT 130100Z DEC.
- Action B (IMMEDIATE COUNTER-MINING): Declare Route Protocol RED for T0513 and H20. Immediately divert available engineering and SSO reconnaissance assets to conduct low-altitude UAV sweeps and ground scouting for the new remote-delivered mine systems. Establish emergency temporary bypass routes.
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AIR DEFENSE (OC SOUTH/NORTH): ASSET MANAGEMENT.
- Action: AD commands must sustain high priority on Odesa port and energy protection (Usatovo/Mayaky), but must now integrate defense of the exposed logistics corridor near Kharkiv (identified KAB target zone). Redistribute high-mobility short-range AD systems (SHORAD) to cover critical GLOCs near Kramatorsk/Konstantinovka, prioritizing defense against the mining UAVs.
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STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & DIPLOMACY (MFA/StratCom): STABILIZE ALLIED FRONT.
- Action: Launch a high-intensity diplomatic push to re-convene the cancelled Paris meeting, linking the new RF deployment of weapons of terror (UAV remote mining of civilian routes) directly to the need for immediate, firm, long-term Western military support.
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FORCE GENERATION (OC EAST): HARDEN DEFENSES.
- Action: Accelerate the deployment of pre-staged obstacle belts and passive defensive layers (trenches, field fortifications) along the secondary line of defense southwest of Konstantinovka (e.g., towards Druzhkivka), accepting that engineering assets may be split between fortification and emergency route clearance (Action 1B).