Russia's Flank Exposed as Ukraine Advances at 'Understrength' Defense: U.K.

Russia's troops are likely attempting to consolidate along a new front line in Ukraine's southern region of Kherson, Britain's Ministry of Defense said on Thursday.

In an intelligence update shared on Twitter, the ministry said: "After retreating around 20km (12.5 miles) in the north of the Kherson sector in early October, Russian forces are likely attempting to consolidate a new front line west from the village of Mylove."

The ministry said that "heavy fighting continues along this line, especially at the western end where Ukrainian advances mean Russia's flank is no longer protected by the Inhulets River."

Most of the Russian troops along this front line remain "understrength" airborne units, the ministry said.

"In recent days, the Russian occupation authorities have likely ordered preparation for the evacuation of some civilians from Kherson," it added. "It is likely that they anticipate combat extending to the city of Kherson itself."

Ukrainian and Russian officials have been contacted for comment.

The report comes as Ukraine's forces said precision strikes had taken out 150 Russian troops in the Kherson region.

"In the Kherson region, as a result of point fire damage in the Tokarivka area, the losses of the enemy amounted to 150 people killed," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in a statement on Thursday.

The update said that, on Wednesday, Ukrainian forces had struck three S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems in Tokmak, a city in the Zaporizhzhia region.

"In some areas of hostilities, in particular in the Donetsk oblast, enemy units began to receive orders from the top commanders to temporarily stop offensive operations," the statement added.

"The main reason is the extremely low morale and psychological condition of the recruits, numerous facts of desertion from among the mobilized and non-fulfilment of combat orders."

Meanwhile, Kyiv regional governor Oleksiy Kuleba said the area around Ukraine's capital was struck by Iranian-made kamikaze drones early Thursday, following Russia's major assault across the country on Monday and Tuesday.

Western leaders have pledged to send more weaponry to Ukraine, including air defense systems.

Britain's Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday that the allies are committed to delivering those weapons as soon as possible.

"We're going to do everything we can as fast as we can to help the Ukrainian forces get the capability they need to protect the Ukrainian people," Austin said. "That's very, very important to us."

Britain on Thursday said it will provide missiles for advanced NASAM anti-aircraft systems that the Pentagon plans to send to Ukraine in coming weeks.