UK intelligence: Russia deployed 22 battalion tactical groups near Izium

Russia highly likely intends to proceed beyond Izium to capture the cities of Kramatorsk and Severodonetsk, Report informs, citing the British Ministry of Defense.

"Capturing these locations would consolidate Russian military control of the north-eastern Donbas and provide a staging point for their efforts to cut-off Ukrainian forces in the region. Russia has deployed 22 battalion tactical groups near Izium in its attempt to advance along the northern axis of the Donbas," the ministry tweeted.