Valery Zalouyny. Photo: RT.
The Ukrainian army has confirmed that it has withdrawn to the outskirts of Marinka. a strategic city in the Russian People's Republic of Donetsk, whose liberation was announced this Monday by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
This was stated by the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army, Valery Zalouyny, on Tuesday. “The fact that we have retreated to the outskirts of Marinka and in some places have already crossed the city limits, “should not cause public outcry” Zaloujny explained at a press conference.
The senior Ukrainian military officer compared the intense fighting around Márinka in recent months to Russia's capture of the key town of Márinka Artyomovskknown in Ukraine as Bakhmut, achieved victory on May 20th thereafter 224 days full of difficult battles.
This Monday, Russian Minister Shoigu stated on his country's public television that “within the framework of…” Today, thanks to the offensive actions of the units of the Sur military group, we have completely liberated the city of Márinka“, after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
Shoigu highlighted that Marinka, which had a population of almost 10,000 before the war and is now in ruins, is located five kilometers southwest of the capital, Donetsk. “We have significantly shifted the work of (Ukrainian) artillery away from Donetsk, there, towards the west, which today will allow us to more effectively defend Donetsk from enemy attacks.” Has underlined.
The Russian minister emphasized that the liberation of this bastion would reduce Ukraine's defense potential and supply the Russian army “new possibilities for future measures in this direction”, in reference to Avdivka, also located near Donetsk and the site of the bloodiest battle of the current war.
For his part, Putin also emphasized that thanks to this victory, the largest since the capture of Bakhmut in May – also in the Donetsk region – by the Wagner Group, Russian soldiers now have the opportunity to “win a victory.” larger operating space.
Ukrainian soldiers in winter clothes in the Donetsk region. Photo: Portal.
Zelensky encourages Ukrainian troops
As the Russians regain the initiative, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Ukrainians in his Christmas greeting message to take a breath and resist the onslaught of Russian forces. “This Christmas creates the right atmosphere for next year”he explained in a message posted on Telegram.
According to the Ukrainian president, these are “opportunities for dialogue with our partners.” Ways to strengthen our anti-aircraft shield. Ways to protect our home from Russian terrorists.” “The stronger our air defense system is, “There will be fewer Russian demons in our heavens and on our earth.”he explained, recalling that the day before, Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense shot down about thirty Shahed drones and several Russian fighters.
(With information from Portal and RT)