Russia readies for intensive offensive on Kupyansk-Lyman axis – UK intelligence

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense.

According to British intelligence, the Armed Forces counteroffensive increased pressure on Russian troops in Bakhmut and southern Ukraine. Despite this, the occupiers continued to carry out "small-scale attacks" in the northeast, in the Kupyansk-Lyman area, and conducted some limited local offensives.

It is noted that as Ukraine continues to gradually regain ground in the south, Russian doctrine suggests that Russia will try to regain the initiative by moving to operational-level offensives. Kupyansk-Lyman is one of the potential areas for this.

“There is a realistic possibility Russia will increase the intensity of its offensive on the Kupyansk-Lyman axis in the next two months, probably within the objective of advancing west to the Oskil River and creating a buffer zone around the Luhansk region,” the British intelligence reported. 

• On August 25, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continued counteroffensive operations near Robotyne in western Zaporizhzhia region and advanced as Russian "military bloggers" expressed concern about the lack of reinforcements and rotation in the area.