Russia to "drastically reduce" attacks on Kyiv and Chernihiv

As stated on the Russian Ministry of Defense Telegram channel, Russia is set to “drastically reduce military activity”  in the two areas.

The information was confirmed by Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. The decision comes after recent face-to-face peace talks in Turkey.

"Due to the fact that negotiations on the preparation of an agreement on the neutrality and non-nuclear status of Ukraine, as well as on the provision of security guarantees to Ukraine, are moving into practice, taking into account the principles discussed during today's meeting, by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in order to increase mutual trust and create the necessary conditions for further negotiations and achieving the ultimate goal of agreeing on the signing of the above agreement, a decision was made to radically, at times, reduce military activity in the Kiev and Chernigov direction," Alexander Fomin commented for the media.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Russian military troops were seen withdrawing Kyiv and Chernihiv. The Armed Forces believe that “the Russian enemy did not meet the goal of its offensive operation”. Nevertheless, Ukraine remains vigilant over Russian troops further attacking militaries and civilians in other areas.

After more than a month of conflict, the Ukrainian resistance is “conducting a defence operation in the eastern, southeastern and northeastern directions, restrains the enemy in all directions, in some directions - displaces the enemy,” the Armed Forces stated.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky requests more sanctions against Russia in address to the Danish Parliament, as the situation in the port city of Mariupol is catastrophic.

"We ask you and the whole democratic community in the world: We need to step up sanctions against Russia. We must give up Russian oil. No trade with the Russian Federation. Close ports to Russian ships. And this must be a policy of solidarity in the European Union among all member states," Zelensky said.

More than 100,000 people are currently blocked in Mariupol, facing horrible living conditions, without water, electricity, heat or medicines. Moreover, the Russian forces were accused of deportations, kidnapping, rape and looting. 42.000 Ukrainians are believed to have been deported so far. Among them, 2.000 are children.

 

Source: cnn.com