Zelenskyy sets out ‘number one goal’ in Ukraine’s war effort
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi (Photo:President's Office)
The defense of Donetsk Oblast is currently the No. 1 goal for Ukraine’s military, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his regular evening address to the nation on Sept. 26.
The president said that currently the situation in the partially Russian-occupied oblast is especially difficult, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are doing everything they can to contain the advance of the invaders.
“That’s where our No. 1 goal is right now, because for the invaders Donbas is still their goal No. 1,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that, despite the obvious senselessness of the war for the aggressor-country and the fact that the invaders have lost the initiative, the command of the invading Russian forces continues to “drive them to their deaths” in Donetsk Oblast.
“The constant attempts of the Russian offensive in Donetsk Oblast will surely go down in the history of wars as one of the most cynical murders of their own troops…” the president said.
“Russia’s mobilization is a frank attempt to give commanders on the ground a constant stream of ‘cannon fodder.” There is no other sense in the Russian mobilization.”
He said the invaders, feeling that they are losing, are trying to delay defeat and ensure there is still some activity at the front.
Zelenskyy also thanked the defenders of Ukraine, especially the fighters of the Kholodny Yar 93rd Motorized Brigade and the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade for the heroic defense on the Bakhmut section of the front line.
He also praised the soldiers of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade for their “decisive and competent actions in the liberation of our territory.”
So far, a total of 2,135 soldiers from these three brigades have been given state awards.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on Sept. 26 that the efforts of the invaders are still focused on holding the occupied territories, reaching the administrative border of Donetsk Oblast, and disrupting Ukrainian advances on certain parts of the front.
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