Russia is limiting long-range missile strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, the most likely reason being its limited stockpiles, according to an assessment by the UK Ministry of Defence.

In its latest intelligence update, Britain’s Ministry of Defense says Russia has increased its forces in Ukraine by tens of thousands of reservists since October, but “ammunition shortages likely remain a key factor limiting Russian offensive operations.”

According to the cited source, it is precisely to support defensive operations along Russia’s long front line that a significant daily expenditure of shells and missiles is required.

Russia is likely to have limited long-range missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure for about a week due to the limited availability of cruise missiles.

Likewise, Russia is unlikely to have increased its stockpile of artillery ammunition enough to permit large-scale offensive operations.