Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow pledges to step up operations

Russia continues to wage its war in Ukraine as the invasion is moving towards its fifth month. There are no signs of stopping as Moscow recently pledged to ramp up its supposed military operations in Ukraine.

Over the weekend, Moscow said that it intends to ramp up its military operations in Ukraine in “all operational areas” amidst its continued bombardment of cities in Ukraine. Authorities in Kyiv have reported that Russia’s strikes have killed dozens in recent days as rockets continue to hit civilians.

Russian defense minister Sergei Shogu ordered the military units to ramp up operations to prevent Ukrainian strikes on its eastern territory and other areas that Russian forces are occupying.

Regional governor Oleh Synebuhov said Saturday that Russian rockets hit the northeastern Ukrainian town of Chuhuiv in the Kharkiv region that is partially occupied by Russian forces. Three people were killed in the blasts, and three others were wounded.

In the southern area of Ukraine, regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko said over 50 Russian Grad rockets hit the city of Nikopol on the Dnipro river. Two people were killed in the attack.

Despite Russia claiming that it was only hitting military targets, Ukraine said at least 40 civilians were killed in such attacks by Russian forces in urban areas in a span of three days.

Shogu’s remarks appear to be his response to the series of gains Kyiv has made in terms of counter-offensives. Ukrainian forces successfully hit 30 Russian logistics and ammunition posts with multiple rocket launch systems provided by the West.

Ukraine’s defense ministry spokesperson said Friday last week that its strikes were derailing Russia’s supply lines and reducing Russia’s defensive capabilities.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued executive orders that marked another change in personnel as the orders called to dismiss the head of the State Security Service and the country’s Prosecutor-General.

Zelenskyy issued executive orders late Sunday for State Security Service head Ivan Bakanov, who is also the Ukrainian leader’s childhood friend. Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova was also dismissed according to the orders issued on the official website. No reasons were given for the firings.