Today, Wednesday, marks thirty-five days since the launch of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, which has caused significant devastation in Ukrainian cities due to Russian shelling, resulting in hundreds of casualties and thousands of displaced Ukrainians. Following progress in peace talks in Istanbul yesterday, Russia announced that it would reduce its military operations in Kyiv and Chernihiv, stating that this reduction aims to create favorable conditions for negotiations, and that Russian forces will focus on the primary objective of liberating the Donbas region. However, the Pentagon cast doubt on this announcement.
Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Hayday reported on Telegram that heavy artillery shelled residential areas in the city of Lysychansk this Wednesday morning. He stated, "Several high-rise buildings were damaged. Information about casualties is being verified... Many buildings have collapsed. Rescue workers are trying to save those who are still alive." The Pentagon noted that Russia has repositioned "a small number" of its troops near Kyiv, but has not withdrawn and may be preparing to launch a "major offensive" elsewhere in Ukraine.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said, "We are witnessing a small number (of Russian soldiers) who seem to be moving away from Kyiv, on the same day that the Russians said they were withdrawing" from there. Kirby spoke shortly after Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Formin announced that Russia would reduce its military operations towards Kyiv and the northern city of Chernihiv. Kirby added that "Russia has failed in its goal to seize Kyiv," but "this does not mean that the threat surrounding Kyiv has ended." He stated, "We are not prepared to call this a retreat or even a withdrawal," explaining, "We believe what is likely on their minds is repositioning to strengthen their position elsewhere."
He also noted an increase in offensive activity by Russian forces in the separatist Donetsk region. While Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the achievement of the first phase's objectives of the attack that began on February 24, Ukrainian authorities reported the recapture of the Irpin suburb, which is completely destroyed. The Russian Defense Ministry reported yesterday, Tuesday, the destruction of a major Ukrainian fuel supply base in the Rivne region, confirming the destruction of 68 Ukrainian military facilities and 3 drones within a single day, also noting the death of about 600 foreign mercenaries in Ukraine over the past two weeks.
