According to British sources, Russia’s efforts to establish stronger military control over eastern Ukraine’s Donbass region have failed. Since the Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov took command of the “military special operation” against Ukraine in mid-January, his tenure has been marked by an attempt at a general winter offensive, the British Ministry of Defense wrote in its regular intelligence update on Saturday. The aim of this offensive was to extend Russian control over the entire Donbass region. “After 80 days, it is becoming increasingly clear that this project has failed,” the British said.
Russian forces on the frontlines in the region could have recorded minimal gains with heavy casualties. In doing so, they would have largely gambled away the temporary personal advantage gained through the Russian “partial mobilization” last fall.
Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the British Ministry of Defense has published daily updates on the course of the war. Citing intelligence information, the British government wants to both counter the Russian narrative and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a targeted disinformation campaign.
