Russia seeks to encircle Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Rubizhne - British Defence Ministry

russia has increased its operations in the Donbas and seeks to encircle Severodonetsk, Lysychansk and Rubezhnoye.

Currently, the northern and southern directions in this zone are separated by a section of about 25 kilometers, which controls the resistance [Ukrainian] forces, stated in a report by the British Ministry of Defense.

"There was strong Ukrainian resistance, and the forces occupied well-fortified defensive positions. The Allied Forces operation in Ukraine is likely to maintain effective command and control over this front," the statement said.

However, russia has managed to achieve some local successes, in part due to the accumulation of artillery units.

British intelligence added that the Severodonetsk pocket, if formed, would lead to the occupation of the entire Luhansk region. Now this is russia's main task, but this is only part of russia's campaign to seize Donbass.

The British Ministry of Defense added that if the front line in the Donbass moves further west, russia will face further logistics resupply difficulties.

The General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine in the morning on May 24 reported that the greatest activity of military operations is noted in the Donetsk operational area, namely - nearby Lysychansk and Severodonetsk.