UDSS' General Sir Richard Barrons tells Forces News Ukraine no longer regards Russia "as a sanctuary"
Weeds and undergrowth regrowing on the battlefields in Ukraine have contributed to the slowing down of the counter-offensive, defence intelligence suggests.
In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said the conditions on the ground in the areas where intense fighting continues are one of the reasons behind Ukraine's generally slow progress in its fight against Russia.
"The extra cover helps camouflage Russian defensive positions and makes defensive minefields harder to clear," the MOD said.
"Undergrowth regrowing across the battlefields of southern Ukraine is likely one factor contributing to the generally slow progress of combat in the area.
"The predominately arable land in the combat zone has now been left fallow for 18 months, with the return of weeds and shrubs accelerating under the warm, damp summer conditions.
"Although undergrowth can also provide cover for small stealthy infantry assaults, the net effect has been to make it harder for either side to make advances."
Despite the slowing down of the counter-offensive's progress in the southeastern regions of the country, General Sir Richard Barrons, the former head of Joint Forces Command, has said that the conflict is close to a "decisive turning point".
Gen Barrons told Forces News Ukraine no longer regards Russia "as a sanctuary", following two recent drone attacks on Moscow which Kyiv is yet to comment on.
The MOD has also claimed that Russian forces are struggling on the battlefield due to battle fatigue and a shortage of artillery ammunition.
Earlier in the year, mud was a problem on the battlefields in Ukraine with muddy battlefield conditions proving difficult for armoured vehicle movement, slowing both sides in the conflict.