Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said on Tuesday that the Russian military campaign in Ukraine has entered its most active phase. Motuzyanyk stated that Russian forces have not stopped trying to cross the river. This comes as Russian Defense Minister and influential National Security Council head Sergei Shoigu hinted on Tuesday that Moscow may need to fight longer in Ukraine to achieve its objectives as the offensive enters its fourth month. Shoigu said during a video meeting with his counterparts from former Soviet states, which was broadcast on television, "We will continue the special military operation until all goals are achieved, regardless of the enormous Western assistance to the Kyiv regime and unprecedented sanctions pressure." He confirmed that Russian efforts to avoid civilian casualties "do indeed slow down the pace of the attack, but this is intentional."
This statement came shortly after a rare interview published by the weekly "Arguments and Facts" with Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, in which he stated that military operations will continue as long as necessary. He explained, “We do not care about the details... the objectives set by President (Vladimir Putin) will be fulfilled.” He added, “It cannot be otherwise; the truth is on our side.”
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February, Kyiv has been able to counter its neighbor's advances in many areas, including the capital, Kyiv, with the help of Western countries. However, Russia is now focusing on securing and expanding its gains in Donbas and the eastern Ukrainian coast. Despite the ongoing fierce fighting for three months and heavy losses on both sides, the Russian army is making only very slow progress, indicating a long war of attrition.
The Kremlin's stated goals are to "eradicate Nazism" from Ukraine and secure the eastern regions where most residents speak Russian. Moscow accuses the Ukrainian authorities of committing alleged genocide there. The Russian military operation in Ukraine, as of Tuesday, marks its third month, as the Russian army continues to destroy Ukrainian military infrastructure and escalate pressure on the Kyiv government forces in Donbas, aiming to fully liberate the region, in contrast to Western support for Kyiv in terms of funds and military equipment, in addition to imposing crippling economic sanctions on Moscow.
