Russia says it will focus its invasion of Ukraine on “liberating” the east, signaling a possible shift in its strategy, the BBC reported.
The first phase of Russia’s military operation was mostly complete and it would focus on completely “liberating” Ukraine’s breakaway eastern Donbas region, Russia said on Friday.
The defense ministry said Russian-backed separatists now controlled 93% of Ukraine’s Luhansk region and 54% of the Donetsk region. They jointly make up the Donbass, the Reuters news agency reported.
“The main objectives of the first stage of the operation have generally been accomplished,” Sergei Rudskoi, head of the Russian General Staff’s Main Operational Directorate, said in a speech.
“The combat capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces have been substantially reduced, which allows us to concentrate our main efforts on achieving the main goal: the liberation of Donbas,” he added, referring to an area in eastern Ukraine largely in the hands of Russian-backed separatists.
A senior diplomatic source in Moscow described it as a face-saving move and possible prelude to a climb-down by Russia, Reuters reported. Its forces have become bogged down and failed to take any major city since invading Ukraine from the north, east, and south on Feb. 24.
Ukrainians President Volodymyr Zelensky said his troops had landed “powerful blows” on Russia and called on Moscow to recognize the need for serious peace talks.
“By restraining Russia’s actions, our defenders are leading the Russian leadership to a simple and logical idea: talk is necessary. Meaningful. Urgent. Fair. For the sake of the result, not for the sake of the delay,” he said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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