RF STRATEGIC INTENT - ZAPORIZHZHIA: President Putin explicitly stated the necessity to obtain "full control" over Zaporizhzhia city, claiming RF forces are within 15km of the southern outskirts (ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS, 1415Z, HIGH).
UKRAINIAN PEACE REFERENDUM: President Zelenskyy proposed a "20-point plan" to be approved via national referendum to ensure "just peace" and secure mass public support for future diplomatic resolutions (ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS, 1419Z, MEDIUM).
INFRASTRUCTURE HARDENING: PM Shmyhal confirmed that critical energy and defense industry operators have begun independent procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems to protect facilities from precision strikes (Оперативний ЗСУ, 1409Z, HIGH).
COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE SUCCESS: The SBU neutralized a joint Russian-Belarusian agent in Kyiv who was coordinating strikes against Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) (РБК-Україна, 1428Z, HIGH).
CONTESTED NARRATIVES (KOSTIANTYNIVKA): UAF 19th Army Corps officially refuted Russian claims regarding RF control over parts of Kostiantynivka, labeling them as disinformation (РБК-Україна, 1412Z, MEDIUM).
AERIAL BOMBARDMENT: RU aviation has initiated new waves of Guided Aerial Bomb (KAB) strikes targeting Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk regions (Повітряні Сили ЗС України, 1423Z/1431Z, HIGH).
Operational picture (by sector)
Southern Axis (Zaporizhzhia):
Zaporizhzhia City Environs: The threat level has escalated following Putin's briefing. The claim of 15km proximity suggests RF forces are attempting to push past the Orikhiv-Stepnohirsk line. KAB strikes are currently hitting the region to suppress UAF forward positions (Повітряні Сили ЗС України, 1431Z).
Civilian Status: Power grid synchronization is underway in Kyiv, but Zaporizhzhia remains under high alert as the tactical situation on the southern outskirts remains fluid (РБК-Україна, 1411Z).
Eastern Axis (Donbas):
Kostiantynivka: Conflicting reports persist. While RF sources claim tactical gains, the UAF 19th Army Corps maintains the frontline is holding and RF claims of "control" are fabricated (РБК-Україна, 1412Z).
Tactical Success: Video evidence confirms the capture of RF personnel in an unspecified Donbas sub-sector, indicating successful localized UAF counter-attacks or successful defensive hold-outs (БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС, 1432Z).
Northern Axis (Kharkiv):
Weather/Environment: Kharkiv ODA reports worsening weather conditions (snow/ice), which may impede mechanized movement but increase the reliance on KAB strikes (Олег Синєгубов, 1421Z).
Airstrikes: Heavy KAB activity reported coming from the east (Повітряні Сили ЗС України, 1423Z).
Enemy activity / threat assessment
Command Intent: Putin’s direct involvement in stating tactical distances (15km from Zaporizhzhia) indicates that the "Vostok" Group's operations are now a primary strategic priority for the Kremlin, likely linked to the "ahead of schedule" rhetoric from earlier today.
Hybrid Operations: The Russian MFA is maintaining diplomatic pressure on Finland, utilizing "information gifts" (propaganda books) to signal dissatisfaction with Helsinki’s stance (ТАСС, 1424Z).
Internal Security Interference (UNCONFIRMED): Russian sources are amplifying claims of massive SBU raids on Ukrainian Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCCs) due to corruption. This is likely an IO designed to undermine mobilization efforts during a critical defensive phase (Операция Z, 1433Z, LOW).
Friendly activity (UAF)
Strategic Resilience: The shift toward private/operator-funded EW for critical infrastructure indicates a decentralization of air defense, allowing state assets to focus on the frontline while hardening the rear (Оперативний ЗСУ, 1409Z).
Logistics: The "UZ-3000" program has successfully processed 50,000 users, indicating high throughput for rail-based movements or evacuations (РБК-Україна, 1411Z).
Counter-Sabotage: Successful detection of a trans-national (RU/BY) agent indicates heightened SBU vigilance regarding "stay-behind" cells targeting winter energy infrastructure.
Information environment / disinformation
The "Referendum" Narrative: Zelenskyy’s 20-point plan is being framed by pro-Russian sources (e.g., Janus Putkonen) as a sign of "inevitable defeat," whereas UA sources frame it as a "just peace" mechanism.
Frontline Claims: Discrepancies in Kostiantynivka and Zaporizhzhia (the 15km claim) suggest RF is utilizing "optimistic reporting" to create a sense of momentum ahead of potential negotiations.
Outlook (next 6-12h)
MLCOA: Continued heavy KAB strikes on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. RF will attempt to validate the "15km" claim by intensifying localized ground assaults south of Zaporizhzhia city.
MDCOA: A coordinated missile strike (leveraging the AB Shaykovka readiness noted in previous reports) targeting the Kyiv TPPs, synchronized with the current KAB waves to overwhelm AD.
Intelligence gaps & collection requirements
Zaporizhzhia Ground Truth: Urgent requirement for satellite imagery or drone reconnaissance to verify RF's 15km proximity claim to Zaporizhzhia city southern outskirts.
TCC Raids: Determine the veracity of reported SBU raids on recruitment offices. Are these legitimate anti-corruption measures or a Russian disinformation campaign to disrupt mobilization?
Weather Impact: Monitor Kharkiv sector for the transition from KAB strikes to ground assaults as weather degrades; assess if RF 7th Regiment (referenced in 28 DEC daily) is equipped for cold-weather offensive operations.
