An intelligence update from the MoD also claims that Kremlin forces are struggling to extract and repair the thousands of combat vehicles.

The update from the MoD reads: “Inconclusive fighting continues in both the Donbas and Kherson sectors. Russian commanders continue to face a dilemma; whether to resource the offensive in the east, or to bolster the defence in the west.

"On 18 July 2022, intelligence identified a Russian military vehicle refit and refurbishment facility near Barvinok, in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, 10km from the Ukrainian border.

Ukraine conflict: Russia struggling to sustain effective offensive combat power ...

"At least 300 damaged vehicles were present, including main battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and general support trucks.

"In addition to its well documented personnel problems, Russia likely continues to struggle to extract and repair the thousands of combat vehicles which have been damaged in action in Ukraine.

Over the weekend, Russian officials insisted that an air strike on Odesa – less than a day after Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement on resuming grain shipments from the port – had hit only military targets.

Visitors inspect a military vehicle adorned with a Russian national tricolor flag and the letter Z, which has become a symbol of support for Russian military action in Ukraine, at Patriot Park. (Photo by Natalia KOLESNIKOVA / AFP) (Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)

Moscow has been widely condemned for the attack, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying it had “destroyed the very possibility” of dialogue with Russia.

Ukraine and Russia signed identical deals on Friday with the UN and Turkey in Istanbul backing the plan, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed as “a beacon of hope” for a world in which food prices are rising rapidly.

Ukraine conflict: Russia faces dilemma to resource the offensive in the east, or to bolster defence of West – MoD