Ukraine denies Russian claims of seized territory
Shoigu tells fresh tales of Russian army's "victories" (Photo:Russian Defence Ministry/Vadim Savitsky/Handout via REUTER)
Russian Defense Minister was incorrect in claiming that Moscow’s forces have seized several settlements in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence said in a message on its website on Feb. 7.
Shoigu recently announced complete Russian control over Soledar, Klishchiivka, Krasnopillya, Blahodatne, and Mykolaivka in Donetsk Oblast, as well as Pidhirne and Lobkove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
The HUR did not confirm Shoigu's assertions, and added that Ukrainian troops withdrew from Soledar on Jan. 25.
Ukrainian intelligence officers also noted that Shoigu deliberately didn’t mention the fact that Russian Wagner PMC mercenaries are actively involved in attempted assaults in the area.
On Feb. 5, the Financial Times reported that Moscow’s new large-scale offensive might begin within the next 10 days – before Ukraine receives an influx of Western heavy weapons.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov previously said that during a possible new offensive in February, Russia will not try to seize the entire country at once, but will instead conduct focused pushes in specific directions. According to Reznikov, key risks are in eastern and southern Ukraine.
On Feb. 5, Reznikov stated that Ukraine does not rule out a new offensive by Russia in February, but so far, no strike formations have been detected.
According to Bloomberg, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin hopes that a new offensive by the Russian army in February-March 2023 will allow his forces to seize the initiative in the war. Meanwhile, he remains determined to wage war against Ukraine for many years, Bloomberg wrote.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
