UK claims Russia adding reinforcements in Donbass following Ukraine's recent advancements

Russian armed forces have been reinforcing defensive positions in captured parts of sourn Ukraine, UK Defence Ministry said in latest report. British intelligence underscored that Russian forces continue to move ir troops, equipment and defensive stores between regions of Mariupol, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. It furr stated that Ukrainian troops have been applying pressure on defensive line of Russian armed forces in Kherson for more than a month. According to British ministry, Russian defensive movement has been "likely" me in response to anticipated offensives of Ukraine's armed forces and attacks carried out by Kyiv against ir command posts and troops concentrations. 

British intelligence noted recent statements me by Ukrainian Zelenskyy Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Deputy Prime Minister regarding offensive operations that will be carried out by Ukrainian forces to take back regions occupied by Russian forces. UK MoD has claimed that reinforcement of troops in sourn Ukraine has indicated that Russian commanders have been seriously considering anticipated Ukraine's offensive threats. UK Defence Ministry in intelligence update said, "Russian defensive moves are likely a response to anticipated Ukrainian offensives, to demands me by Defence Minister Shoygu on a recent visit to Donbas, and also to attacks Ukraine is launching against command posts, logistic nodes and troop concentrations." 

"Given pressures on Russian manpower, reinforcement of South whilst fight for Donbas continues likely indicates seriousness with which Russian commanders view threat," UK Defence Ministry said in latest intelligence update.

Zelenskyy pledges to liberate occupied parts of Ukraine

Amid ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine's armed forces have liberated part of regions that have been captured by Russian forces since onset of military conflict. In his late-night video dress on 16 July, Zelenskyy pledged to liberate or parts of region occupied by Russian troops after February 24. He furr stated that Ukraine has been able to obtain status of EU candidate amid ongoing military offensive carried out by Russian forces. Meanwhile, General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine said that Russia has lost 38,300 soldiers since Russian invasion began. In dition, Russian armed forces have suffered loss of 3879 combat armoured machines, 1,694 tanks, 166 cruise missiles, 220 aircraft, and 846 artillery systems among or military equipment. 

Image: AP