KYIV (Reuters) – According to Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the Ukrainian military’s ground forces, Russia is regrouping in the eastern part of Ukraine under Moscow’s control with the intention of launching a new offensive. These forces, which have suffered significant losses in the Kupiansk and Lyman areas, are receiving reinforcements from newly formed brigades and divisions originating from Russia. Syrskyi believes that these measures are being taken to strengthen the enemy’s combat capabilities and initiate active offensive operations. Although he did not provide specific information regarding the Russian regrouping, Syrskyi mentioned that the forces are continuing to engage in heavy artillery and mortar shelling, as well as air assaults. In response to these developments, the general stressed the importance of promptly reinforcing defense lines and advancing where possible.
Kupiansk, a town with a population of around 27,000 prior to the war, was seized by Russia at the beginning of the February 2022 invasion. However, Ukrainian troops managed to recapture it in a swift offensive last September, which was seen as an embarrassment for Moscow. The regional authorities recently declared a mandatory evacuation of civilians residing near the Kupiansk front due to daily shelling from Russian forces. It should be noted that the reports from the battlefield could not be independently verified by Reuters.
Reporting by Oleksandr Kozhukhar in Kyiv; Editing by Cynthia Osterman
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