US ministry: Russia could accept “liberation” of Donbass territory

Foto: REUTERS/ SCANPIX/ LETA

Russia has changed its priorities in the aggressive war against Ukraine and is no longer focusing on occupying Kiev, but on separating Ukrainian forces in the Donbass from the rest of the country, Reuters reports, citing anonymous sources in the US Department of Defense.

Russia also announced on Friday that the first phase of the military operation in Ukraine was almost completed and would now focus on the complete “liberation” of Donbass.

The statements indicate that Russian troops could move to attacks in a narrower area, as they have faced fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces in the war, which has lasted for more than a month, Reuters reports.

A high-ranking US official has pointed out that the actions of Russian forces in Ukraine also reflect Moscow’s statements.

The official, who wanted to remain anonymous, said that the United States was seeing an increase in the aggression of Russian forces in Donbass.

“There is no doubt that they have made it a priority on their list,” the official added.

It said the Russian troops were shifting to a defensive position in the vicinity of Kiev, but the Ukrainian army was successfully attacking Russian positions in Chernihiv and regaining positions in Kherson, which had previously been declared occupied by the invaders.

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