Winter to change combat course for both Ukrainian troops and occupiers - UK MoD

The onset of winter will change the course of fighting for both Ukrainian and occupational troops. That is due to the change of daylight hours, temperature and weather.

Any decisions that the Russian General Staff make will be in part informed by the onset of winter, the UK Ministry of Defence intelligence report said on Twitter.

Shorter daylight hours (about 9 hours instead of 15-16 in summer) will lead to fewer offensives and more static defensive frontlines.

At the same time, the value of night vision devices will increase.

The highest temperatures in December-February will reach zero on average, so soldiers who do not have winter clothing and shelter are likely to suffer from cold-related injuries.

Additionally, the "golden hour" window - the period during which a wounded soldier can be rescued - will be halved. Thus, all hostilities will have higher risks.

According to British intelligence, Russian troops will end up with even worse morale due to the weather challenges.