NATO announces large-scale Russian offensive in Ukraine
2023.02.14 01:11
NATO announces large-scale Russian offensive in Ukraine
By Kristina Sobol
Budrigannews.com – As the NATO chief confirmed reports from local officials that a significant new Russian offensive had begun, days before the first anniversary of Moscow’s invasion, the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut was subjected to heavy artillery fire.
According to officials from the Ukrainian military, new ground attacks were being defended by the defenders, who had already held out for months, under heavy shelling.
The general staff of Ukraine’s armed forces reported on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had repelled Russian attacks in one settlement in the Kharkiv region, approximately five settlements in the Luhansk region, and six settlements in the Donetsk region, including the Bakhmut area.
A deputy battalion commander stated on Monday that positions in Bakhmut have been fortified, and only individuals with military responsibilities are permitted entry. Any civilians who still wish to leave the city would be required to face the incoming fire.
The Donetsk region governor Pavlo Kyrylenko told the Ukrainian national broadcaster late on Monday, “There is not a single square meter in Bakhmut that is safe or that is not in range of enemy fire or drones.”
The capture of Bakhmut would provide Russia with a rare victory after months of defeat, making it a top priority for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Donbas, Ukraine’s industrial heartland, is made up of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Russia, which wants full control, is currently partially occupying the Donbas.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels, “We see how they are sending more troops, more weapons, and more capabilities.” He said this was the beginning of a new offensive.
The Wagner group’s mercenaries have led the Russian assault on Bakhmut, making modest but steady gains. The situation there became even more dire as a result of the Russian bombardments.
Without specifying where, the Russian defense ministry stated that its troops had advanced a few kilometers along the frontlines.
In his evening address, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, “Thank you to every one of our soldiers who are preventing the occupiers from encircling Bakhmut… and who are holding our key positions at the front.”
Since Russia’s invasion on February 24, the United Nations’ human rights office reported on Monday that it had recorded 7,199 civilian deaths and 11,756 wounded, mostly as a result of shelling, missile, and air strikes. But it thought the actual number was much higher.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched what it referred to as a “special military operation” into Ukraine in order to “denazify” the nation and safeguard Russian speakers. It was nothing more than a land grab, according to Western leaders.
On Monday, the president of Moldova said that Russia planned to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her leadership and use it in the conflict with Ukraine.
Last week, Zelenskiy stated that his nation had discovered a Russian intelligence strategy “for the destruction of Moldova.” Days later, the country’s government, which borders Romania and Ukraine, resigned.
Last year, authorities in Transdniestria, a separatist region that has survived for three decades with Moscow’s support, claimed they had been the targets of a series of attacks. Russia denied wanting to intervene in Moldova.
John Kirby, spokesperson for national security at the White House (NYSE:) on Monday stated that despite not having been independently verified, the plot’s rumors were “deeply concerning” and “certainly not outside the bounds of Russian behavior.”
Defense ministers from several NATO nations that are allies of Kyiv will meet in Germany on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of providing additional military assistance to Ukraine, which is in need of more weapons.
In a telephone conversation prior to the meeting, the top general of Ukraine and the most senior U.S. Army commander in Europe discussed military aid and training. Ukraine asserts that it requires long-range missiles and fighter jets.
Stoltenberg stated that he anticipated that the aircraft issue would be discussed, but that Ukraine required immediate ground support.
Because Kyiv was burning through shells at a rate that was significantly faster than what Western nations could produce, a source within NATO stated that the organization would increase the targets for the stockpiling of ammunition.
According to the Financial Times, officials, Western capitals will provide Ukraine with additional pledges of ammunition and air defense equipment on Tuesday.
A number of European nations, including Poland, Britain, and Germany, are currently in the process of training Ukrainian forces on the Leopard 2 and other modern battle tanks in order to enhance the defenses of the nation.
