'Unlikely' Russia will achieve 'significant breakthrough' in Donetsk region - MoD
It is "unlikely" that Moscow has "sufficient uncommitted troops" in the eastern region of Donetsk to "achieve an operationally significant breakthrough", the British defence ministry has said.
It added that while there is a "possibility" that Russia will "continue to make local gains" in the area around Bakhmut, this is unlikely to mark a critical change.
The MoD said: "Russian commanders are likely aiming to develop a new axis of advance into Ukrainian-held Donetsk Oblast, and to divert Ukrainian forces from the heavily contested Bakhmut sector."
It added that, since Friday, Russia has "likely developed its probing attacks around the towns of Pavlivka and Vuhledar into a more concerted assault".
A statement said: "The settlements lie 50km south-west of Donetsk city, and Russia previously used the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade in an unsuccessful assault on the same area in November 2022.
"Elements of the 155th are again involved as part of an at least brigade sized force which has likely advanced several hundred metres beyond the small Kashlahach River which marked the front line for several months."
