In February 2022, tensions between Ukraine and Russia reached a boiling point when Russia invaded Ukrainian territory. The conflict has been ongoing for over a year now, and both sides have suffered heavy casualties.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to exhaust Ukrainian forces in the winter battle. Zelensky made the statement during a press conference held on Monday, where he discussed the latest developments in the conflict.
According to Zelensky, the Russian army has been using a tactic known as “active defense” to wear down Ukrainian forces.
This involves constantly attacking Ukrainian positions and then withdrawing, only to attack again later. Zelensky said this tactic is designed to exhaust Ukrainian soldiers and prevent them from mounting a solid defense.
The Ukrainian President also discussed the recent success of Ukrainian forces in defeating Russian soldiers in Makiivka.
Zelensky claimed that Ukrainian soldiers destroyed around 80 Iranian-made drones and killed approximately 500 Russian soldiers who were stationed in a building in Makiivka.
While the Russian army has not commented on these specific claims, it has confirmed that 67 soldiers were killed in the Makiivka incident.
This is a rare admission for the Russian army, which typically downplays the number of casualties suffered in combat.
Moreover, the Russian commanders have set up an inquiry on who ordered the troops to remain on standby at a close proximity location.
The building was close to Ukraine’s border, and it’s anticipated the arsenal was also kept at the location, which might be destroyed completely.
Despite the heavy losses suffered by Russian forces, Zelensky acknowledged that the conflict was far from over. Zelensky called on the international community to continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Zelensky also praised the Ukrainian army for their intrepidity and determination in the face of the Russian invasion.
He noted that Ukrainian soldiers have consistently outmatched their Russian counterparts in recent battles and that the Ukrainian army has been able to hold its own against the much larger and more heavily armed Russian forces.
The conflict has caused widespread destruction and displacement in eastern Ukraine, with hundreds of thousands of people being forced to flee their homes.
The fighting has also had a significant impact on the economy, with many businesses being forced to close or relocate.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Zelensky remains optimistic that a peaceful resolution can be reached. He has called on Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and to enter into negotiations to end the fighting.
There are also efforts to bring the conflict to the negotiating table, with the United Nations and other international organizations working to facilitate talks between the two sides.
While the path to peace may be long and difficult, Zelensky and the Ukrainian people remain committed to finding a resolution to the conflict with Russia.
As the winter battle continues, Ukrainian forces will no doubt continue to face challenges and setbacks.
Still, with the support of the international community and their own determination, they are determined to emerge victorious in the end.
