The Russian occupants are preparing for an offensive in the east of Ukraine in order to establish full control over the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and to ensure the stability of the land corridor with the occupied territory of Crimea. Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanik said this at a briefing.
"The Russian Armed Forces are completing the creation of an offensive grouping in the Eastern operating zone. The occupant is preparing for an offensive in the east of Ukraine to establish full control over the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and ensure the stability of the land corridor with the occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Now the aggressor has almost completed the regrouping of troops for an offensive in the eastern operational zone," Motuzyanik said.
According to him, the offensive grouping is being strengthened by the transfer of additional Russian units.
The most intensive combat operations are taking place in the Slobozhansky and Donetsk operating areas. In Yuzhno-Bugskoye, the enemy is consolidating its positions and trying to establish full control over the village of Aleksandrovka," said Motuzyanik.
The Defense Ministry spokesman also noted that the number of operational and tactical aircraft sorties of Russian aircraft has increased by more than 1.5 times.
"The Russian Armed Forces are completing the creation of an offensive grouping in the Eastern operating zone. At the same time, the enemy does not stop rocket and bomb strikes on the infrastructure of Ukraine. In particular, the number of operational and tactical aircraft sorties by Russian aircraft has increased by more than one and a half times," said Motuzyanik.
We would like to point out that the command of the Air Force of Ukraine reported the shooting down of five enemy air targets during the day on April 17.
