UK Defence Intelligence has stated that in recent weeks, Ukraine has mobilised efforts to improve its fortifications as it switches to a more defensive position along much of the front line. Source: UK Defence Intelligence review on Twitter (X) on 20 December Details: UK Defence Intelligence pointed out that this change has been carried out in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's calls made at the end of November 2023 to speed up fortification work on key fronts.
UK Defence Intelligence has said that fighters from the so-called Storm Z, penal units of the Russian military, are likely to return to combat missions with unhealed wounds, or even after amputations. Source: UK Defence Intelligence on 18 December Quote: "This follows credible reports that members of Shtorm-Z, Donetsk militias, and Wagner Group have frequently received minimal or no treatment.
The UK Ministry of Defence has released a new estimate of Russian losses in the war in Ukraine. Source: UK Defence Intelligence, as cited by European Pravda Details: In the period from 24 February 2022 to November 2023, according to the report, the Russian military probably suffered losses of 180,000 to 240,000 wounded and about 50,000 killed.
UK Defence Intelligence emphasises that efforts to defeat ground-based air defence systems remain one of the most important confrontations in the Russian war against Ukraine. Source: UK Defence Intelligence review on Twitter dated 3 December, as reported by European Pravda Details: The ministry pointed out that the Tor short-range anti-aircraft missile system is essential to the Russian Federation's forces.
UK intelligence has reported that Russia began deploying a newly formed division of airborne troops in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast. Source: UK Defence Intelligence review on Twitter dated 30 November, as reported by European Pravda Details: The intelligence suggested that Russia has begun deploying the newly formed 104th Guards Airborne Division in Ukraine, particularly in occupied Kherson Oblast, for the first time.