British intelligence explains why it is important for AFU to liberate Kreminna in Luhansk region

The British Ministry of Defense shared their regular update on Twitter.

British intelligence stated that on the eve of Christmas, fighting in Donbas continued at a routine level. One of the most fierce areas of the front is concentrated around Kreminna town in Luhansk region.

For the last three weeks, fighting around Kreminna has focused on the densely wooded area west of the city.  Since coniferous forest provides some cover from aerial observation even in winter, both sides are likely trying to fine-tune their artillery fire. As is typical of operations in forests, fighting is mostly reduced to infantry fighting, often at short range.

"Russian commanders will highly likely view pressure around Kremina as a threat to the right flank of their Bakhmut sector, which they see as key for enabling any future advance to occupy the remainder of Donetsk Oblast," British intelligence concluded.

• On December 29, 2022, Ukrainian Armed Forces’ General Staff reported that during the week Ukrainian Defense Forces had advanced up to 2.5 km in the direction of Kreminna, and Russian troops were preparing a bridgehead for retreat near Luhansk.