In recent days there have been reports of escalating fighting in the eastern Donbas region, which consists of Donetsk and Luhansk.

It is a region, part of which was controlled by Russian-backed separatists before the start of the aggression, and Russia has said it intends to take control of the entire region.

But a recent intelligence report by the UK Ministry of Defense says Russian forces still face "significant challenges".

"Russia has been forced to reunite and relocate tired units, different from the failed advances in northeastern Ukraine," said British intelligence, adding that "many of these units are likely to suffer from weakened morale."

"Russia hopes to rectify issues that have previously limited its occupation by geographically concentrating combat power, shortening supply lines and simplifying command and control," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

But he added that Russian forces still faced "shortcomings in tactical coordination", a "lack of capabilities" and "unstable air support".

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Telegraphy

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