Russia preparing for Ukrainian offensive in two sectors - UK intel

Russia's military and political leadership is faced with a dilemma regarding the choice of which part of the front to give priority to defense - northern Luhansk region or Zaporizhzhia.

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

According to the update, the way Russia has worked on improving defenses suggests commanders are highly likely pre-occupied with the potential for major Ukrainian offensive action in two sectors: either in northern Luhansk region, or in Zaporizhzhia.

At the same time, British intelligence notes, a major Ukrainian breakthrough in Zaporizhzhia would seriously challenge the viability of Russia's "land bridge" linking Russia's Rostov region and Crimea, whereas Ukrainian success in Luhansk would further undermine Russia's professed war aim of "liberating" the Donbas.

"Deciding which of these threats to prioritize countering is likely one of the central dilemmas for Russian operational planners," the update said.