Russia will unlikely be able to capture entire Donetsk region - UK intel

Russian troops are attempting to advance in the direction of the towns of Pavlivka and Vuhledar in the Donetsk region, but they will unlikely be able to concentrate sufficient quality forces to make an operational breakthrough and capture the remainder of Ukrainian-held Donetsk region.

The UK Ministry of Defense said this in its latest intelligence update published on Twitter on Sunday, Ukrinform reports.

The ministry said that the area around the towns of Pavlivka and Vuhledar in south-central Donetsk region has been the scene of intense combat over the last two weeks, though little territory has changed hands.

According to the update, both Russia and Ukraine have significant forces committed to this sector, with Russian Naval Infantry having suffered heavy casualties.

"This area remains heavily contested, likely partially because Russia assesses the area has potential as a launch point for a future major advance north to capture the remainder of Ukrainian-held Donetsk Oblast. However, Russia is unlikely to be able to concentrate sufficient quality forces to achieve an operational breakthrough," the ministry said.