Russia's losses at Azovstal disrupt their plans in southern Donbas - British intelligence

That’s according to a report by the British defense intelligence, Ukrinform reports.

"The renewed effort by Russia to secure Azovstal and complete the capture of Mariupol is linked to the upcoming 9 May Victory Day commemorations and Putin’s desire to have a symbolic success in Ukraine. This effort has come at personnel, equipment and munitions cost to Russia. Whilst Ukrainian resistance continues in Azovstal, Russian losses will continue to build and frustrate their operational plans in southern Donbas," the statement reads.

It is noted that Russian forces in Mariupol have continued their ground assault on the Azovstal steel plant for a second day, despite Russian statements claiming they would seek only to seal it off.

As reported earlier, on February 24, 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, starting to massively bomb peaceful towns and villages, unleashing mass terror in the temporarily occupied territories.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Territorial Defense Forces are fiercely repelling the Russian invaders and inflicting heavy losses on their forces.

The European Union has already imposed five packages of economic and personal sanctions against the Russian Federation, aimed at limiting the Kremlin's ability to continue aggression.

Photo: Stringer, Anadolu Agency