Over the past three days, Russia has likely developed its probing attacks around the towns of Pavlovka and Ugledar into a more concerted assault. This is stated in the latest intelligence report of the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain.
The two settlements are located 50 km southwest of the city of Donetsk.
The department recalls that previously the Russian forces used the 155th Marine Infantry Brigade in failed attack on the same area in November last year.
Elements of the 155th are said to be involved again as part of at least a brigade-sized force that has probably advanced several hundred meters beyond the small Kashlagach River, which has marked the front line for several months.
Russian commanders are likely seeking to develop a new axis of advance into the Ukrainian-controlled Donetsk region and divert Ukrainian forces from Bakhmut, where fierce fighting is taking place, the report noted.
“There is a real possibility that Russia will continue to gain locally in the region. However, it is unlikely that it will have enough troops in the region to achieve a significant operational breakthrough“, according to British intelligence.
