US officials dismiss Putin’s claim that his forces have ‘liberated’ the port city of Mariupol as disinformation – as it happened

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Russian forces are advancing towards Kramatorsk while Putin likely desires to demonstrate significant successes" ahead of Victory Day celebrations, British intelligence has suggested.

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 UK ministry of defence said in their latest intelligence report.

Russian forces are now advancing from staging areas in the Donbas towards Kramatorsk, which continues to suffer from persistent rocket attacks.