According to British estimates, Russian troops in eastern Ukraine repulsed Ukrainian forces in heavy fighting near the Russian-occupied town of Kreminna.
“Russia has partially regained control of the immediate approaches of Kreminna, which faced an immediate Ukrainian threat earlier this year,” the Ministry of Defense in London said today, citing intelligence findings.
“In some places, Russia has gained ground of several kilometers.” Now, Russian troops likely wanted to establish a “buffer zone” to the west of their prepared defense positions, he said. In doing so, they would presumably include the Oskil River as a natural obstacle and would also attempt to recapture the Kupyansk logistical hub.
In principle, however, Russia is still taking a defensive approach in eastern Ukraine. “The commanders probably fear that this could be one of the front sectors where Ukraine can try a big offensive.”