Ukrainian offensive forces Russia to bolster troops in occupied south

Looming battles will be crucial for course of war, warns intelligence chief

• Russia-Ukraine war: latest updates

Russia is moving large numbers of troops to Ukraine's south for battles against the country's forces through the newly occupied territories and Crimea, according to Ukraine's deputy head of military intelligence.

If Russia won, it would try to capture more territory, said Vadym Skibitsky. They are increasing their troop numbers, preparing for our counteroffensive [in Ukraine's south] and perhaps preparing to launch an offensive of their own. The south is key for them, above all because of Crimea," he said.