British Defense Secretary: It’s not clear if Russian troops can withstand another Ukrainian attack

Ukraine continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine. However, Russia wants to maintain control around the Luhansk region. The British Ministry of Defense doubts that Russian troops have enough reserves to withstand an attack.

Russian troops are strengthening their positions in eastern Ukraine against Ukrainian attacks, according to British estimates. The Russians have set up a defensive line between the Oskil River and the small town of Svatove in the Luhansk region, the Ministry of Defense in London said today, citing intelligence. The Ukrainians would continue their attack here. Russia, however, wanted to maintain control because one of the few supply routes still controlled by Russian units passed through the area, he said.

In addition, the defense line stretches along the border of the Luhansk region, the “liberation” of which is one of the most important Russian military objectives. “A significant loss of territory in Luhansk will significantly undermine Russian strategy,” the ministry stressed. “Russia will likely try to stubbornly defend this area, but it is unclear whether Russian troops on the front lines have sufficient reserves or sufficient morale to withstand another concerted Ukrainian attack.”