British intel: Increased attacks do not help Russia advance on Novopavlivka direction
Despite a surge in attacks South-west of Donetsk (806 in March vs 721 in Feb), no notable territorial gains made. Attacks increased in this sector but declined overall across frontlines.
The British Defense Ministry reported on 4 April that Russia’s intensified offensive in the Novopavlivka direction bore little fruit despite a surge in attacks.
Russian attacks to the south-west of Donetsk City rose from 721 in February to 806 in March, accounting for 38% of all attacks across the front line,” according to the British Defense Ministry.
However, despite this effort, Russia did not make any notable gains in the area, the British Defense Ministry reported.
According to the UK intel, Russia continues to contest small settlements, including Novomykhailivka, Heorhiivka, and Urozhaine.
While attacks increased in this sector, the report indicates a general decline in Russian offensive operations across the frontlines.
“Across the front line, reported Russian attacks were 9% lower in March 2024 compared with February 2024, falling from approximately 2,340 to 2,120,” the report said.
The UK Defense Ministry also highlights a shift in focus from the Avdiivka axis, where a third of attacks occurred in February when the town fell to Russian forces.
Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 3 April that Russian forces increased the number and size of mechanized ground assaults on select sectors of the frontline in Ukraine within the past two weeks.
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