Vladimir Putin’s naval commanders have moved submarines away from Crimea after Ukrainian attacks deep into the peninsula, British defence chiefs said on Tuesday.
They argued that the Russian president’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 was partly to ensure a base there for his Black Sea Fleet but this aim had now been weakened.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Liz Truss said Britain next year will meet or exceed the £2.3 billion military aid spent on Ukraine in 2022.
UK military support is likely to include equipment such as multiple launch rocket systems, according to Government sources.