Russian forces launch 'most intense shelling' since start of Ukraine war
Russian troops have been conducting some of their most intense artillery shelling in Ukraine since the war began, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has said.
In its latest intelligence update posted to Twitter, the MOD says that the barrage has taken place in southern Ukraine, including continued Russian shelling of Kherson city with artillery firing from the east of the river.
Military analysts have also said that, in recent days, "some of the most intense shelling in the conflict has likely taken place along the Dnipro River".
The update adds that on 29 January 2023, "local authorities reported another three civilians killed in Kherson", and that two foreign-owned ships moored on the river were damaged, causing an oil spill.
The report goes on to say "Kherson remains the most consistently shelled large Ukrainian city outside of the Donbas" and that, "Russia's precise rationale for expending its strained ammunition stocks here is unclear".
The intelligence report does suggest that it's likely Russian commanders are trying to "degrade civilian morale and deter any Ukrainian counter-attacks", from across the Dnipro River.
This comes as President Biden rules out the US sending any F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
The UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak believes it is "not practical" to provide Ukraine with British fighter jets but has pledged to accelerate support to enable "decisive gains" against Russian invaders.
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