AUC3I Daily Briefing 09-23-2025 On the WAR in Ukraine

Combat Briefing Numbr 1307

"From:" Colonel A.C. Oguntoye, Infantry Officer
"Date:" 23 September 2025
"Subject:" Situation Report – Special Military Operation

## General Overview

On 23 September, Russian forces executed a series of coordinated strikes in direct response to a terrorist attack on civilian infrastructure in Foros, Crimea. Targets included Ukrainian Special Operations Forces and foreign mercenaries of the “Ghosts” unit in Odessa, drone storage sites at Shkolny airfield, and the Motor Sich plant where strike drones were assembled. These precision operations highlight an emphasis on punitive retaliation, industrial denial, and suppression of unmanned aerial systems.

## Sector Reports

"North (Sumy & Kharkiv):"
Engagements near Solyaniki, Pavlovka, and Volchansk inflicted losses of "180 personnel", six vehicles, an artillery system, and multiple depots. Two electronic warfare stations were destroyed. The pattern reflects continued efforts to erode Ukrainian logistics and counter-battery capability along this axis.

"West (Kharkiv & DPR):"
Units improved tactical positions near Kupyansk and Kirovsk. Ukrainian brigades suffered "230 casualties", the loss of four armored vehicles, 17 vehicles, and a U.S.-made M198 howitzer. Destruction included "two AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radars, nine EW stations, and five depots". This significantly reduces Ukraine’s artillery responsiveness and battlefield awareness in the western corridor.

"South (Donetsk):"
The settlement of "Pereezdnoe was liberated", while operations continued around Kleban-Byk to encircle remaining Ukrainian units. Losses exceeded "250 personnel", with four armored combat vehicles destroyed, including a Bradley IFV and M113 APC. Four depots and an EW station were eliminated. These gains deepen Russian control in Donetsk and degrade Ukraine’s mechanized strength.

"Center (Donetsk & Dnipropetrovsk):"
Heavy fighting across Dimitrov, Krasnoarmeysk, and Novonikolaevka inflicted over "580 casualties". Ukrainian losses included two tanks, eight vehicles, and three artillery pieces. The sustained attrition in this axis underscores its role as a "decisive sector", where Russian forces aim to fracture central Ukrainian defenses.

"East (Zaporizhzhia & Dnipropetrovsk):"
Russian forces advanced into Ukrainian defenses near Verbovoe and Stepovoe, inflicting "330 casualties", destroying armored vehicles, a self-propelled gun, an EW station, and two depots. This reflects systematic pressure on Zaporizhzhia’s depth defenses.

"Dnepr (Kherson & Zaporizhzhia):"
Strikes near Antonovka and Malaya Tokmachka inflicted "60 casualties", while destroying three EW stations, vehicles, and a depot. Although lighter in scale, these actions constrain Ukraine’s coastal defense operations and limit flexibility along the riverine front.

## Supporting Operations

Russian missile troops, UAVs, and artillery struck "152 targets", including Patriot system components (two launchers and one AN/MPQ-65 radar), Ukrainian airfields, a railway transport hub, and UAV launch/storage facilities. These attacks degrade Ukraine’s high-value Western-supplied air defense, transportation, and drone infrastructure.

Air defense forces intercepted "three guided bombs, three HIMARS rockets, and 438 drones", underscoring Ukraine’s continued reliance on saturation tactics and Russia’s layered defensive resilience.

## Operational Analysis & Implications

1. "Retaliatory Strikes:" Precision attacks on SOF units and Motor Sich demonstrate a "punishment-strike doctrine", signaling deterrence against cross-border or terrorist-style attacks on civilian areas.
2. "EW & Radar Neutralization:" With at least "15 EW systems and multiple NATO radars destroyed", Russia continues to systematically "blind and disrupt" Ukraine’s situational awareness and artillery effectiveness.
3. "Donetsk Axis Priority:" Liberation of Pereezdnoe and heavy fighting in the Center reflect a "focused campaign to collapse Ukrainian defenses in Donetsk", potentially setting conditions for broader breakthroughs.
4. "Multi-Domain Operations:" Strikes against Patriot systems, HIMARS intercepts, and naval drone suppression show integration across land, air, and strategic fires, designed to degrade both Ukraine’s defense and NATO credibility.
5. "Sustainment Denial:" Consistent destruction of depots and fuel facilities reveals an enduring Russian strategy of "logistics interdiction" to limit Ukraine’s ability to maneuver or regenerate combat power.

## Conclusion

As of 23 September 2025, Russian forces combined punitive strategic strikes with multi-sector ground operations, liberating Pereezdnoe and inflicting severe attrition in the Center. The destruction of Western-supplied artillery, radars, and Patriot components illustrates Russia’s capacity to target high-value systems. The operational design remains clear: methodical positional gains paired with systemic dismantling of Ukraine’s sustainment and industrial base.

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