A major Ukrainian military counter-offensive in Zaporozhye and Lugansk would further undermine Russia’s goal of “liberating Donbas”, leaving Russian generals unable to decide which threat to prioritize, according to a British intelligence briefing.

Open-source imagery from February 7 shows that Russia has further strengthened defensive fortifications in the central part of the Zaporozhye region in southern Ukraine, especially near the village of Tarasivka. Since January 8, Russia has established defensive fortifications between the towns of Vasilevka and Origov in the area.

According to British intelligence, despite the current operational focus on the central Donbas, Russia remains concerned about protecting the outermost sections of its long front line. This is evidenced by the ongoing construction of defensive fortifications in the Zaporozhye and Lugansk regions and the transfer of personnel there.

The total length of the Russian front in Ukraine is estimated at almost 1,300 km, while in the semi-occupied Zaporozhye region alone, the front stretched for 192 km, according to the British Ministry of Defense.

The latest military intelligence report on the situation in Ukraine is February 13, 2023.

Learn more about the UK government’s response: https://t.co/ixYOQYQdXc

🇺🇦 #StopWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/mmbgKuxUpo

— Ministry of Defense 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) February 13, 2023

It is also indicated that any new Ukrainian seizure of territory in Zaporozhye will seriously jeopardize the “land bridge” connecting southern Russia (Rostov region) with Crimea occupied since 2014. At the same time, a Ukrainian success in Luhansk would seriously undermine Russia’s efforts to control the Donbass, thus leaving Russian generals in a dilemma as to where they can best defend themselves.

An earlier British intelligence report suggested that daily Russian casualties in the war against Ukraine had skyrocketed due to poor training, poor coordination and a lack of resources at the front.

Source: UK Ministry of Defense, Ukrinform.