Vladimir Zelensky warned on Friday against Russia’s ambitions to invade other countries, saying Moscow’s war against Ukraine was just the beginning.
“All nations that, like us, believe in the victory of life over death must fight us. They must help us, because we are first in line. And who will come next?” This is what Zelenski said in his address.
The warning from the Ukrainian president came when a Russian general clarified Moscow’s intention to control all of southern Ukraine in order to have better access to Moldova.
Command over southern Ukraine will give Russia access to Transnistria, a breakaway Russian-occupied part of Moldova in the west, Central Military District military commander Rustam Minekayev was quoted as saying by Russian state news agencies.
Moldova reacted quickly to the comments, calling on Moscow’s ambassador on Friday to express “deep concern” over the remarks. Claiming to be neutral, Moldova joined the European Union last month after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The US State Department also put its weight behind Moldova’s sovereignty, even when Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Russia’s expansion plan in southern Ukraine.
A girl stands at the door of a bunker in Severodonetsk, in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, on April 13, 2022.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s defense ministry issued a statement saying Russia was no longer trying to hide its intentions and now acknowledged that the goal of the “second phase” of the war was not to defeat the mythical Nazis, but simply to occupy the eastern ones. and Southern Ukraine. Imperialism as it is. “
The Ukrainian military added that Russia was continuing its attack in the east, trying to establish full control over Donetsk and the Luhansk region and secure a secure connection with Crimea. The forces are also partially blocking Kharkiv, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.
Meanwhile, British military intelligence released an update Saturday saying that despite increased activity, Russian forces have not made significant progress in the last 24 hours, praising Ukrainian fighters for obstructing their efforts.
“Russia’s air and naval forces have not established control in either area due to Ukraine’s air and naval defense effectiveness,” the defense ministry tweeted.
“Despite their declared conquest of Mariupol, heavy fighting continues to disappoint Russia’s attempts to take the city, further slowing the desired progress in Donbass.
Additional reading from the wires
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