The British Ministry of Defense said this in the latest Defense Intelligence update published on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.
"Russian forces are trying to envelop Ukrainian forces in the east of the country as they advance from the direction of Kharkiv in the north and Mariupol in the south," the statement said.
According to the statement, the battlefield across northern Ukraine remains largely static with Russian forces likely conducting a period of reorganization before resuming large-scale offensive operations.
According to British intelligence, Russian troops are still attempting to circumvent Mykolaiv as they look to drive west towards Odesa.
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying infrastructure, residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages using artillery, multiple rocket launchers and ballistic missiles.
Martial law was imposed in Ukraine and general mobilization was announced.
