British Intelligence assesses military situation in Ukraine's South

This is reported by the British Ministry of Defense.

According to the UK's MoD, after Russian troops left the west bank of the Dnipro in November 2022, the complex network of islands and waterways that make up the Dnipro delta has been subject to ongoing attacks and reconnaissance.

"Russian forces have almost certainly used small boats to try to main a presence on

key islands," the report said.

Ukraine has successfully deployed long-range artillery to neutralize Russian outposts a number of times. British intelligence says both sides have likely also deployed small groups on the Kinburn Spit, which commands the Dnipro Gulf.

Both sides are likely aiming to maintain a presence in these areas to control maritime access to the strategically important river and to provide warning of any attempt by their adversaries to launch a major assault across the river.

"It is highly unlikely that Russia will attempt an assault crossing of the Dnipro: most likely, it would likely be extremely costly and difficult," the message said. 

• On February 1, British intelligence reported that the Russian military shells Kherson in order to demoralize civilians and prevent the AFU attempts to launch a counterattack.