Kyiv has even ordered “very daring” attacks on Russian soil to further hamper Moscow’s preparations, an analyst said.
Justin Crump of Sibylline, an intelligence and geopolitical risk firm, said: “It seems that Ukraine is not only working on Russian territory, but also conducting very, very daring operations there, including blowing up bridges and destroying supply depots.
An intelligence briefing from the UK Ministry of Defense said that Russia’s failure to take over the besieged port city of Mariupol has also slowed Moscow’s progress elsewhere in Ukraine.
“Russian commanders will be concerned about the time needed to conquer Mariupol,” it said.
“The concerted Ukrainian resistance has severely tested Russian forces and diverted people and materials, slowing Russia’s progress elsewhere.
Mariupol is seen as another important strategic area by the Kremlin, because its capture will create a land bridge between Crimea and Russia.
Ahead of the expected attack on eastern Ukraine, Russia has stepped up its civilian bombings across the country.
Dozens have been reported killed in rocket attacks on Kyiv and Lviv, as well as in shelling in Kharkiv.
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