In Velyka Novosilka sector (in Vuhledar area of Donetsk region), despite the decrease in the intensity of hostilities, Russian forces will most likely continue to take a defensive position to protect against possible future offensive operations by Ukraine and keep a significant number of troops there, according to British intelligence.

"The Velyka Novosilka sector, west of the Donetsk Oblast town of Vuhledar, has become relatively quiet over the last four weeks, with fighting much less intense from its height in June-July 2023. Over the summer, Ukraine almost certainly liberated at least 125 square kilometres of territory on this axis," the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland said in the statement published on the X social network on Sunday morning.

As British experts note, Ukrainian operations in this sector have tied down elements of the 36th and fifth Combined Arms Armies of Russia's Eastern Military District, preventing them from reinforcing other areas. It has also drawn in a number of Russian airborne units.

"While this axis has stabilised, Russian forces likely remain in a defensive posture to guard against possible future Ukrainian offensive operations. It is unlikely there will be a significant drawdown of Russian forces from this axis in the next six weeks," the experts said.