In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence in London said: “Russia continues to attempt assaults against the Severodonetsk pocket from three directions although Ukrainian defences are holding. It is unlikely that either side has gained significant ground in the last 24 hours.
“While Russia is concentrating its offensive on the central Donbas sector, it has remained on the defensive on its flanks.
“Ukrainian forces have recently achieved some success by counter-attacking in the south-western Kherson region, including regaining a foothold on the eastern bank of the Ingulets River.”
The UK military chiefs explained: “With the frontage of the occupied zone stretching for over 500km, both Russia and Ukraine face similar challenges in maintaining a defensive line while freeing up capable combat units for offensive operations.”
They added: “In the occupied Kherson region, Russia is forcibly aligning its administration with that of the Russian Federation by introducing the Russian rouble as legal tender and employing Russian teachers to introduce the Russian curriculum and language to schools.
“Russia will highly likely claim its occupation of Kherson as evidence of delivering improved governance and living standards to the Ukrainian people.”
Britain and other counties in the West supporting Ukraine are fighting an information war against Russia over how the conflict is unfolding.