On Friday, the Russian army announced the end of the first phase of its military operation in Ukraine, stressing that from now on it will focus on the complete “liberation” of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.
“The main objectives of the first phase of the operation have been accomplished,” said Deputy Chief of the Russian General Staff, Sergei Rudskoy.
“The combat capabilities of the Ukrainian forces have been significantly reduced, which allows … to focus the bulk of efforts on the main goal: the liberation of Donbass,” he added.
He stated that Russian forces “effectively” destroyed the Ukrainian air force and its anti-aircraft defenses, as well as the navy.
At the same time, he stressed that the Russian army did not rule out attacking cities, adding that those attacks were not originally planned.
“At first, we did not plan to storm it to prevent destruction and reduce casualties among the elements and civilians,” he told reporters.
“Although we have not ruled out this possibility, as individual groups complete their assigned tasks, our forces and means will focus on the main issue: the complete liberation of Donbass,” he added.
The statements of military officials to journalists in Moscow came on the thirtieth day of the military campaign in Ukraine.
And the Russian Defense Ministry announced, in an update of the toll of losses in Ukraine, that 1,351 soldiers were killed and 3,825 others were wounded.
