Control over Crimea Kremlin's top political priority - British intelligence

The British Ministry of Defense said this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

As noted, fierce fighting continues in southern Ukraine. However, in recent weeks, Moscow has been making significant efforts to build defensive lines deep rear, especially on the approaches to occupied Crimea.

This includes an extensive zone of defences of 9 km in length, 3.5 km north of the town Armyansk, on the narrow bridge of land connecting Crimea to the Kherson region.

"These elaborate defences highlight the Russian command’s assessment that Ukrainian forces are capable of directly assaulting Crimea. Russia continues to see maintaining control of the peninsula as a top political priority," the UK Ministry of Defense said.

As reported, the UK will announce a new package of financial support for Ukraine today.