UK intelligence: Russia may launch offensive despite worsening weather conditions

The UK Defence Ministry has said that Russian troops can develop offensive operations despite the deterioration of weather conditions in the following weeks.

The ministry made the remarks in the intelligence update for February 9 on Twitter, Caliber.Az reports.

"The weather continues to play a significant role in the course of Russia's war in Ukraine. With the ground frozen, there has likely been little change in cross-country mobility [CCM] conditions in eastern Ukraine in recent weeks.

"On 08 February 2023, surface temperatures were around 0 degrees Celsius; over the coming week, forecasts suggest soil temperature increases and snow melt are likely to deteriorate CCM across the Donbas.

"ССM is likely to be at its worst, with extremely muddy conditions, over mid to late March. Commanders on both sides will highly likely seek to avoid scheduling major offensives at such times. However, perceived political or operational opportunities can override such concerns, as demonstrated by Russia launching its invasion in late-February 2022," the ministry said.