Volodymyr Zelensky has said intelligence from the UK’s MI6 shows Ukraine’s frontline is at its strongest for almost a year, in a blow to Vladimir Putin’s war machine. The Ukrainian President said “overall, the frontline is holding” despite Russian assaults intensifying.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Zelensky said: “I received MI6’s assessment. The situation on the front is currently the best for Ukraine in the past 10 months. This is their conclusion, and our partners see it as well.”
He added: “This is a fair assessment. I am grateful to all our units that are ensuring this.”
Mr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces had liberated some 20 square kilometres, but that the situation on the frontline remains “complex”.
In March, the Russian army recorded no territorial gains on the frontline for the first time in two-and-a-half years, according to new analysis.
The assessment was made by the AFP news agency using data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The ISW has reported Russia is struggling to make advances in the northern area of Ukraine’s so-called Fortress Belt since the launch of a spring-summer offensive.
Ukrainian strikes have been credited with thwarting Russia’s attempts to gain ground.
Mr Zelensky said Russian assaults had begun intensifying, with troops seeking to gain advantage of foggy conditions.
He said the increased daylight following the start of spring has made it harder for Moscow’s forces to move unseen, TVP World reports.
In the media briefing on Friday, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine’s proposal for a ceasefire over the Easter holiday remains on the table.
Easter is celebrated in both countries on April 12.
Ten people were killed and dozens were injured as Russia and Ukraine traded deadly strikes overnight and into Saturday morning, according to officials on both sides.
Kyiv’s air force said 260 of 286 Russian drones fired overnight were shot down.