Russians likely partially aiming to degrade civilian morale by shelling Kherson across the Dnipro – British intel

2023/02/01 - 11:45 • Latest news Ukraine

In its latest intelligence update, the British Ministry of Defense says that the Russian shelling of Kherson is “likely partially aiming to degrade civilian morale and to deter any Ukrainian counter-attacks across the Dnipro River.”

The ministry tweeted:

“In recent days, some of the most intense shelling in the conflict has likely taken place along the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine. This has included continued Russian shelling of Kherson city with artillery firing from the east of the river.”
“On 29 January 2023, local authorities reported another three civilians killed in Kherson, while two foreign-owned ships moored on the river were damaged, causing an oil spill.”
“Kherson remains the most consistently shelled large Ukrainian city outside of the Donbas. Russia’s precise rationale for expending its strained ammunition stocks here is unclear. However, commanders are likely partially aiming to degrade civilian morale and to deter any Ukrainian counter-attacks across the Dnipro River.”