ISW explained why Russians are hitting apartment blocks in Ukraine

Russia is carrying out large-scale combined drone and missile attacks to "sow despondency among Ukrainians" and weaken Western support, according to a new report by the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Russia's massive strikes are aimed at undermining the morale of both Ukrainians and Western partners," ISW experts said, adding that Moscow is trying to force its allies to cut aid to Kiev in this way.

The analysts emphasise the importance of continuing to supply Ukraine with air defence systems, including the US Patriot.

In their assessment, these Kremlin actions do not have a strategic military effect, but are part of a psychological campaign aimed at exhausting Ukrainian society and allies.

The report also said that Ukrainian troops advanced in the Pokrovskyy direction, while the occupants made gains near Velykyi Burluk and in the Novopavlovka area.