UK intelligence tells of risks for Russian army on axis around Kupiansk

The UK Defense Ministry said this in an intelligence update posted on the social platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Ukrinform reports.

Russian forces, primarily composed of the 58 Combined Arms Army and Russian Airborne Forces elements, seek to halt the Ukrainian counter-offensive whilst maintaining their own offensive on the northern axis around Kupiansk, according to the report.

Experts add that Russian forces are likely seeking to distract Ukraine from its counter-offensive, thereby forcing it to divide its forces between Orikhiv and Kupiansk.

“Given that Russia has made modest gains near Kupiansk since the Ukrainian counter-offensive began in June, they are highly likely seeking to capitalise on these by continuing to resource the axis. However, Russia risks dividing its forces as it seeks to prevent a Ukrainian breakthrough,” the report says.

As reported by Ukrinform, the UK intelligence in its previous report said that Russia employs smoke generators, underwater barriers, air defense systems to protect the Crimean bridge.