British intelligence reports deployment of enemy tactical groups to advance on Donbas

russia deploys 22 battalion tactical groups near Izium to advance further to Donbas

This is stated in an intelligence review of the British Ministry of Defense on Wednesday morning, Rubryka reports.

According to British intelligence, despite the difficulties with the breakthrough of Ukrainian defense, russia is likely to intend to go beyond Izium to capture the cities of Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk.

"Capturing these areas will strengthen russian military control over the northeastern Donbas and become a springboard for efforts to cut off Ukrainian forces in the region," the statement said.

As reported by Rubryka, the day before, British intelligence also reported that as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, the russian army is now much weaker, both materially and conceptually.

russia has deployed more than 120 battalion tactical groups in Ukraine, which makes up 65% of its ground forces, according to British intelligence.