British Intelligence Report Says Russia Is Resetting Its Military For Fresh Strikes After Failing To Achieve Goals

Illustration of a Russian military convoy. (Wikimedia Commons/Mil.ru)

JAKARTA - Russian forces are likely to be 'resetting' their military might, before launching new attacks in Kyiv and other locations, the UK Ministry of Defence says.

In its daily intelligence update on Friday, the Defense Ministry said "it is highly unlikely that President Vladimir Putin's forces have achieved any of the objectives of his invasion of Ukraine."

A massive convoy was seen gathering in the capital, splitting up and spreading into towns and forests near Kyiv. Satellite photos appear to show pieces of artillery raised into firing positions, as the army prepares for day 15 of a full-scale invasion.

"It is still highly unlikely that Russia has succeeded in achieving the objectives outlined in its pre-invasion plan", the Defense Ministry said, launching The National News on March 11.

"Russian ground forces continue to make limited progress. The logistical problems that have hindered Russia's progress remain, as does strong resistance from Ukraine. Russia is likely seeking to reorganize and reposition its forces for new offensive activity in the coming days. This may include operations against the capital of Kyiv."

The convoy towards the city appeared to have stretched for 40 miles, according to satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies.

Armored units were seen in towns near Antonov airport in the north of the city. Several vehicles had moved into the forest, Maxar reported, with howitzers towed nearby in position to open fire.

The convoy had assembled outside the city earlier this week, but its progress appears to have stalled as reports of food and fuel shortages circulated.

Separately, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday accused President Putin of making "cynical" attempts to create a pretext for using chemical weapons in Ukraine.

PM Johnson said he was concerned the government in the Kremlin might be ready to use banned weapons, as the invading Russian forces had failed to make the progress expected of them. Britain and its allies fear Moscow could go further and carry out a chemical attack, potentially under the guise of a 'false flag' operation.