Russian forces advancing from staging areas in Donbas towards Kramatorsk

Ukrainian servicemen check the area of a missile strike in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, on April 19, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON (REUTERS) - Russian forces are advancing from staging areas in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region towards Kramatorsk, which continues to be hit by rocket attacks, a British military update said on Thursday (April 21).

High levels of Russian air activity continue as it seeks to provide close air support to its offensive in eastern Ukraine, and to suppress and destroy Ukrainian air defence capabilities, the British Ministry of Defence tweeted in a regular bulletin.

"Russia likely desires to demonstrate significant successes ahead of their annual 9th May Victory Day celebrations. This could affect how quickly and forcefully they attempt to conduct operations in the run-up to this date," the tweet added.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.