Russian claims of severe mud slowing Ukraine's counter-offensive exaggerated, intelligence reports suggest
Russian online outlets are likely exaggerating the impact of mud on Ukrainian forces in order to raise Russian morale, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has said.
In the latest defence update posted on Twitter, the MOD said the move was likely aimed at "undermining Ukraine's supporters, in light of an anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensive".
"With soft ground conditions across most of Ukraine, severe mud is highly likely slowing operations for both sides in the conflict," the MOD said.
"Surface conditions can be expected to improve in the coming weeks.
"The threat from mines probably continues to be a more important factor in limiting the combatants' off-road manoeuvre."
Mud has been spoken about a number of times when discussing the conflict in Ukraine, with weather conditions affecting how vehicles can move around the battlefield.
In March, a former British tank commander told Forces News muddy battlefield conditions will prove difficult for armoured vehicle movement and could be advantageous to the defending Ukrainians.
Justin Crump said muddy ground conditions "offer some advantages" to the defending Ukrainian troops.
"It slows the attack, it means attackers have less options, it's harder to get logistic supplies to the front and obviously that is much harder for the attacking side than the defender."
It comes after the MOD said Russia had reduced troop numbers around Donetsk city to focus on the battle for Bakhmut.
The MOD said Russian and Wagner Group forces continue to make "creeping advances" around Bakhmut, adding the frontline in Bakhmut largely follows the main railway line, with Ukraine "generally holding Russia's envelopment from the south".
Join Our Newsletter
