Russian army starts second attempt at attacking regions near Donetsk city

Russia has likely developed its probing attacks within the last three days around the Ukrainian towns of Pavlivka and Vuhledar into a more concerted assault.

This observation was put forward in the United Kingdom's latest intelligence update, published by the Ministry of Defence.

According to the report, published on the ministry's official Twitter account on January 31, the above-mentioned settlements are 50km south-west of Donetsk city with Russia having previously used the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade in an unsuccessful assault on the same area in November 2022.

"Elements of the 155th are again involved as part of an at least brigade-sized force which has likely advanced several hundred metres beyond the small Kashlahach River which marked the front line for several months", the update reads.

The British intelligence update believes, that Russian commanders are likely aiming to develop a new axis of advance into Ukrainian-held Donetsk Oblast, and attempting to divert Ukrainian forces from the heavily contested Bakhmut sector.

According to the ministry, the possibility that Russia will continue to make local gains in the sector is considered to be realistic, yet it seems unlikely that Russia has sufficient uncommitted troops in the area to achieve an operationally significant breakthrough.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 31 January 2023

Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/LEQzjzWkCH

🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/DpJv5iBb6b

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 31, 2023