Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Ukrainian army has claimed in its morning update that Russia has resorted to getting former soldiers to join its war effort and make up for heavy losses.
Military officials have been actively recruiting former servicemen particularly “those who already have combat experience”, the Ukrainian military said in an operational update posted on Facebook.
It also claimed that Russian forces “in particular directions were demoralised”, while Ukraine continues to hold the line in various parts of the country, including the eastern and southern regions. It added that it was conducting a “circular defence” in Mariupol – a strategic port city where over 100,000 residents are said to be trapped without access to food and medicines.
Western intelligence agencies have said that the Russian advance in Ukraine is continuing to stall, with troops digging in and reinforcing defensive positions. According to the latest assessment from the Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces have not staged any large assaults this week.
The Ukrainian army also said there were active efforts to increase Russian and Belarussian military equipment along the Ukrainian border, but gave no details. Belarus is backing Russia in the war.
It added that it was verifying reports that in Belarus, opponents of the war had partially removed the railway connection between their country and Ukraine.
The BBC has not been able to verify these claims yet.