In the Donbass, the situation for the Ukrainian defenders is getting worse. Russian troops record further territorial gains and take control of the city of Svitlodarsk, among other things. But the attacks also result in casualties. Another Russian general is reported to have died. The 90th day of the war at a glance.
Schoigu is confident of victory
After three months of war against Ukraine, Russia is confident of victory despite setbacks. "Despite the extensive Western aid to the Kiev regime and the sanctions pressure on Russia, we will continue the special military operation until all tasks are completed," Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told the Interfax agency. Shoigu also repeated the claim that Russia felt compelled to launch the attack "to protect our people from genocide and also to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine."
Kremlin units capture Svitlodarsk
Meanwhile, Russian troops in the Donetsk region have captured the small town of Svitlodarsk, according to both sides. The head of the local military administration, Serhiy Hoshko, confirmed the corresponding information provided by the pro-Russian separatists. Ukraine's largest coal-fired power plant is located near Svitlodarsk. Earlier, the separatists reported about the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the area who were threatened with encirclement.
At the same time, the storming of the city of Lyman began in the northern Donetsk region, the separatists said. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that Russian troops, supported by artillery and air force, attacked the city. The General Staff made no comment on the situation in Svitlodarsk.
London sees Russian territorial gains in eastern Ukraine
British secret services are also registering Russian gains in Ukraine. Moscow has significantly increased the intensity of its activities in the Donbass and is trying to encircle several cities there, the British Ministry of Defense said in an update. However, this is only part of Russia's mission to bring the entire Donbass region under its control, it said. The Ukrainian resistance is strong. If the front line in the Donbass shifts further west, it is likely to pose further logistical difficulties for the Russians, according to British intelligence.
Russian general apparently shot down in Donbass
But with Moscow's advance there are also casualties. According to a BBC report, a general in the Russian Air Force has been shot down in the Okstukraine and died. Major General Kanamat Botashov's plane was hit by a Stinger missile over the small town of Popasna on Sunday, the British broadcaster reported. Botashov would be the highest-ranking Russian air force officer killed since the beginning of the aggressive war against Ukraine. The officer, who came from the Caucasus, was considered an excellent aviator. However, he was released from the army and placed in reserve in 2013 after the crash with a Su-27.
Moscow wants to abolish the age limit for the military
In order to compensate for further staff shortages, Russia is preparing to abolish the age limit for military service. This emerges from the agenda of the Moscow Duma, Russia's lower house, for Wednesday. According to the explanations of the bill, under the current provisions only Russian citizens between the ages of 18 and 40 can enlist in the army, while foreigners can enlist between 18 and 30 years. However, for the use of weapons "with high precision" it is important to bring "highly specialized specialists" to the army, the explanations continue. Apparently, the idea of lifting the age limit is being considered.
Poland accuses federal government of breach of word
German armament deliveries remain an ongoing issue: Polish President Andrzej Duda has now warned the federal government not to keep its promises when it comes to the exchange of tanks. The government in Berlin has promised Poland "Leopard" tanks to replace the existing Polish tanks delivered by his country to Ukraine, Duda told the Welt television channel. "They didn't keep that promise. And frankly, we're very disappointed."
After the criticism, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke up. After a meeting in Berlin, the Greens politician said that she had spoken to her Polish counterpart Zbigniew Rau about how existing "ambiguities" could be cleared up together. Germany cannot deliver heavy military equipment to Ukraine "at the push of a button or with a snap of the fingers", especially not from German stocks, Baerbock asked for understanding. The material must be "available, repaired or reordered accordingly".
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