AIR THREAT – ODESA REGION (HIGH): Multiple waves of RF UAVs are entering from the Black Sea, targeting Chornomorsk and Tatarbunary (Air Force UA, 0718Z, 0731Z; HIGH).
INFRASTRUCTURE – ZNPP POWER RESTORED (HIGH): IAEA confirms the restoration of a key power transmission line to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant following a negotiated "silence window" (Tsaplienko, 0709Z; HIGH).
TACTICAL SUCCESS – POKROVSK SECTOR (HIGH): The UAF 55th Artillery Brigade "Zaporizka Sich" successfully interdicted an RF assault column of light "buggy" vehicles using CAESAR and 2S22 Bohdana systems (Butusov Plus, 0733Z; HIGH).
AERIAL BOMBARDMENT – ZAPORIZHZHIA (MEDIUM): RF 11th Air Army conducted FAB (glide bomb) strikes on UAF positions in Rizdvyanka, signaling intensified shaping operations in the southern sector (Voin DV, 0730Z; MEDIUM).
MARITIME HYBRID INCIDENT – TANKER BELLA 1 (MEDIUM): US operations to interdict the oil tanker Bella 1 were reportedly suspended after the vessel hoisted a Russian flag, indicating RF use of maritime "sovereign immunity" to bypass sanctions/interdiction (Sternenko/NYT, 0706Z; MEDIUM).
SURRENDER CLAIMS – DNIPRO RIVER (LOW): RF state media (RIA Novosti) circulated footage allegedly showing a group of UAF personnel surrendering after crossing the Dnipro. This is assessed as a likely high-tempo psychological operation (Colonelcassad, 0723Z; UNCONFIRMED/LOW).
Operational picture (by sector)
Southern Axis (Zaporizhzhia & Dnipro)
Zaporizhzhia Front: RF is increasing the weight of fire on the Rizdvyanka axis. The use of FABs by the 11th Air Army suggests a shift from harassing fire to systematic destruction of defensive strongpoints.
ZNPP: The restoration of the 750kV line improves the safety margin for the plant’s cooling systems, though the "silence window" appears localized and temporary.
Kherson/Dnipro: Potential RF psychological operations are underway to portray UAF morale collapse in the riverine sector. No confirmed change in the Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT).
Eastern Axis (Pokrovsk & Donbas)
Pokrovsk: RF continues to adapt tactics by utilizing high-mobility "buggy" columns to minimize the signature of mechanized pushes. UAF fire superiority (55th Bde) remains effective against these light-skinned vehicles, but the high frequency of these rushes indicates RF intent to exhaust UAF ammunition stocks.
Dobropillya: 12th "Azov" Brigade is currently consolidating lines. No major change since 0700Z.
Odesa & Maritime
Air Defense: Odesa is under active UAV pressure. The vector of approach (Black Sea) suggests RF is utilizing maritime launch platforms or circuitous flight paths to bypass land-based early warning.
Sanctions Evasion: The Bella 1 incident highlights a critical gap in maritime enforcement where RF re-flagging is effectively deterring Western interdiction.
Enemy activity / threat assessment
Tactical Adaptation: RF is leaning heavily into "buggy" infantry assaults in the Pokrovsk sector. This suggests either a shortage of heavy armor or a deliberate shift to high-speed, low-cost "human wave" tactics designed to overwhelm fire control systems.
Aviation: North-eastern tactical aviation (Kharkiv/Sumy) remains at high readiness. Combined with Gerasimov’s inspection of the "Sever" Group, this indicates the "shaping" phase for a cross-border operation is likely complete.
Friendly activity (UAF)
Resource Management: The 47th OMBr has launched public fundraising for "quadric" equipment (likely FPV/ATV assets), indicating persistent logistical gaps in small-scale tactical mobility and ISR despite high-level western support (47 OMBr, 0713Z).
Artillery Performance: The 55th Bde’s successful use of the Ukrainian-made Bohdana alongside French CAESARs demonstrates high interoperability and effective counter-maneuver fire.
Information Ops: The 82nd Air Assault Brigade is actively pushing "Jingle Boom" strike compilations to maintain domestic morale ahead of the New Year.
Information environment / disinformation
Surrender Narratives: Pro-Russian channels (Colonelcassad, Basurin) are prioritizing footage of UAF surrenders and historical "Swan Lake" references. This is a coordinated effort to link current tactical pressure with a narrative of state-level "decay" (Dnevnik Desantnika, 0713Z).
Hybrid Outreach: Rybar is targeting Western audiences with claims of corruption in Ireland (Dublin housing) to erode international support for Ukrainian refugees.
Outlook (next 6-12h)
Most Likely Course of Action (MLCOA): RF will continue "probing" UAV strikes on Odesa to deplete local AD magazines before a larger midnight volley. Tactical aviation in the NE will continue "dry runs" to fix UAF reserves in place.
Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA): Concurrent with a midnight missile volley, RF "Sever" Group initiates a mechanized breakthrough toward Sumy/Kharkiv, exploiting the holiday transition and potential command lag.
Intelligence gaps & collection requirements
Buggy Fleet Logistics: Determine the assembly points and supply routes for the light vehicle columns in the Pokrovsk sector.
Odesa UAV Vector: Identify the specific launch platforms (land-based in Crimea or naval) for the 0718Z/0731Z UAV waves.
Sever Group Readiness: Monitor for "comm-out" or radio silence from the RF "Sever" Group units, which would indicate a T-minus 2-hour window for cross-border movement.
