Russia-Ukraine war live: battlefield plants hindering Ukraine’s offensive, says UK

Battlefield plants hindering Ukraine’s offensive, says UK

The UK’s Ministry of Defence has issued its daily public intelligence briefing on the war, and today it concerns Ukraine’s natural environment. It writes:

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.

The extra cover helps camouflage Russian defensive positions and makes defensive mine fields harder to clear.

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.

• This is Martin Belam taking over the live blog in London. You can contact me at [email protected].