"Russia is expanding its military structures in the face of wartime realities," the UK defence ministry said in its latest Intelligence Update on the Situation in Ukraine.
"One new formation is highly likely – the 18th Combined Arms Army," it added.
"The formation is likely to be an amalgamation and uplift of other units currently operating in Kherson Oblast, including 22nd Army Corps, the force which usually constitutes Russia’s garrison in occupied Crimea," according to the UK defence ministry.
"CAA is likely to consist mostly of mobilised personnel and to focus on defensive security operations in the south of Ukraine," the British defence ministry also said.
"Russia likely aims to free up more experienced units to fight on key axes," it added.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
Monday is day 544 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, kyivindependent.com