UK intel explains how snow and frost impact combat operations in Ukraine

The weather is currently frosty in Ukraine. A slight warming is expected next week, but the ground will remain frozen.

The frozen ground is likely to improve conditions for cross-country travel in January and February until the thaw in March. The thaw will lead to a deterioration of the above conditions.

In particular, Ukraine is experiencing an increase in snow cover. Its depth is a limiting factor for maneuverability.

"The worsening conditions will be compounded by shortened daylight hours making operating conditions difficult for both sides, which will have to rely on cold weather and night-vision equipment to operate," the intelligence explains.

Bad weather in Ukraine

Ukraine was hit by a cold wave due to Arctic air from northern Europe and the formation of an active cyclone in the south of the country. In some regions, temperatures dropped to -25 degrees. The weather was accompanied by heavy snow and blizzards.

Weather's affect on defense of Avdiivka

In early October last year, the Russian invaders intensified fighting in the area of Avdiivka. This offensive is considered the largest since 2014.

According to Vitalii Barabash, head of the Avdiivka City Military Administration, it has recently snowed up to half a meter around the city, and the temperature at the positions of our soldiers has reached -15 degrees below zero. This, in turn, has made it difficult for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the enemy to conduct combat operations. At the same time, the city continues to be under constant Russian shelling.