Russian army advances with heavy losses in three sections of the front
The Russian army continues to develop several offensive areas in eastern Ukraine: Vuhledar, Kreminna and Bakhmut.
This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense on Twitter.
As noted in the summary, losses remain high, especially in Bakhmut and Vuhledar. In particular, the elite 155th and 40th Marine Brigades suffered very heavy losses in Vuhledar and are likely ineffective in combat.
According to British intelligence, as the anniversary of the invasion approaches, Russian forces are likely under increasing political pressure.
"It is likely that Russia will claim that Bakhmut has been captured to align with the anniversary, regardless of the reality on the ground," the report said.
At the same time, if Russia's spring offensive fails to achieve anything then tensions within the Russian leadership will likely increase, the British Defense Ministry noted.
As a reminder, according to British intelligence, the losses of the Russian army and "private military companies" in the year-long war against Ukraine reach 200 thousand, among them up to 60 thousand killed.
Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 20/02/2022
