Russia steps up offensive against Ukraine; Kyiv says it has “rights” to attack Russian targets

The increase in the frequency of attacks occurred this Thursday, the 28th, more than two months after the conflicts began.

Genya Savilov/AFP
Ukrainian soldiers walk next to destroyed Russian tanks and armored personnel carriers (APC) in the village of Dmytrivka, west of Kyiv, April 2, 2022, as Ukraine says Russian forces are making a “quick withdrawal” from the northern areas around Kyiv and the city Chernihiv.

The Armed Forces of Russia increased their attacks to the east and south Ukraine this Thursday, 28. The information was released by the Ukrainian government. More than two months after the invasion began, Russia has ramped up its offensive to capture two eastern provinces in a battle the West sees as crucial to the war, according to Reuters. “The enemy is increasing the pace of offensive operations. The Russian occupiers are exerting intense fire in almost all directions,” the Ukrainian military command said. The main attacks form in the regions of Donetsk and slobozhanske and took place along a highway connecting Kharkiv (second largest Ukrainian city) with Izyum, which was taken by the Russians.

For its part, Ukraine said it had the “right” to attack Russian military targets. “Russia attacks Ukraine, killing civilians. Ukraine will defend itself by any means necessary, including attacks on Russian assassins’ depots and bases. The world recognizes this right,” tweeted Mikhailo Podoliak, adviser to the Ukrainian presidency. In recent weeks, the Kremlin has accused Ukrainian forces of attacking Russian territory, but Kiev authorities have not confirmed the incidents. Also this Thursday, the 28th, the President Wladimir Putin threatened “swift retaliation” against Western countries that intervened on Ukraine’s behalf.

*With information from AFP