'Highly unlikely' Russian military can generate effective striking force, MOD intelligence says

Russia's current military strategy is "unlikely to achieve its objectives" to extend further control over more ground in Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The latest Ministry of Defence (MOD) update came after Russian presidential spokesman Dimitry Peskov reiterated Russia's objectives and "special military operation" within Ukraine.

In an update on Twitter, the MOD said: "Russia is likely still aiming to extend control over all of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts. Russian military planners likely still aim to prioritise advancing deeper into Donetsk Oblast.

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"Peskov's comments suggest that Russia's current minimum political objectives of the war remain unchanged.

"However, Russia's strategy is currently unlikely to achieve its objectives: it is highly unlikely that the Russian military is currently able to generate an effective striking force capable of retaking these areas."

The MOD added that Russian ground forces are unlikely to make "operationally significant advances" within the next several months.