Deadlock in Ukraine as Kiev, Moscow fight for Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya

Russian and Ukrainian forces are currently at a deadlock according to a daily British intelligence update from Saturday, a day after Kiev's backers discussed ways to support the embattled country. 'In recent days, the heaviest fighting has focused in three sectors. In the north-east, near Kremina, Ukraine has likely made small gains and successfully defended against a Russian counterattack,' British analysts said. 'However, there is a realistic possibility of local Russian advances around Bakhmut,' they said. The town in the eastern region of Donetsk has been at the centre of fighting for months. Currently, fighting is focused on three frontline sections in particular, London said based on intelligence reports. Russian units, from the regular army and the Wagner paramilitary group are regrouping in Soledar, which they recently captured, north of Bakhmut. Also in the east, Ukrainian troops had made minor gains near Kreminna in the Luhansk region. In the south, both sides had massed significant forces in the Zaporizhzhya region. Artillery fights and smaller clashes were taking place, but so far there was no major offensive. The assessment comes after Ukraine's backers spent Friday weighing whether to send Kiev heavier battle tanks, as have been repeatedly requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He was disappointed that Germany did not decide whether to send Leopard 2 tanks during the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at the US air base in Ramstein in western Germany. Pressure has been mounting steadily on Germany to send its battle tanks to help Ukraine and to let allies to do likewise.

Deadlock in Ukraine as Kiev, Moscow fight for Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya

"In recent days, the heaviest fighting has focused in three sectors. In the north-east, near Kremina, Ukraine has likely made small gains and successfully defended against a Russian counterattack," British analysts said.