Russia declared Friday that the first phase of its military operation in Ukraine was almost finished, and would be henceforth focused completely on liberating Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, which is controlled by Russian-backed separatists, Reuters reports.
The announcement suggests Russian President Vladimir Putin's troops are "switching to more limited objectives after running into fierce Ukrainian resistance in a month of war," Reuters writes. A senior diplomatic source in Moscow characterized the strategy pivot as a "face-saving move."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortableThe Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
-
How safe are cruise ships in storms?The Explainer The vessels are always prepared
-
Incendiary device plot: Russia's 'rehearsals' for attacks on transatlantic flightsThe Explainer Security officials warn of widespread Moscow-backed 'sabotage campaign' in retaliation for continued Western support for Ukraine
-
What happens if Russia declares war on Nato?Today's Big Question Fears are growing after Vladimir Putin's 'unusually specific warning' to Western governments
-
Missile escalation: will long-range rockets make a difference to Ukraine?Today's Big Question Kyiv is hoping for permission to use US missiles to strike deep into Russian territory
-
Atesh: the Ukrainian partisans taking on RussiaUnder The Radar Underground resistance fighters are risking their lives to defend their country
-
'Second only to a nuclear bomb' – the controversial arms Russia is using in UkraineThe Explainer Thermobaric bombs 'capable of vaporising human bodies' have been used against Ukraine
-
The peaceful archipelago that may take up armsUnder The Radar Russia's invasion of Ukraine has left the Åland Islands 'peculiarly vulnerable'
-
What can Ukraine gain from Russia incursion?Today's Big Question Gamble to boost morale, improve negotiating position and show the West it can still win is 'paying off – for now'
-
Who would fight Europe's war against Russia?Today's Big Question Western armies are struggling to recruit and retain soldiers amid fears Moscow's war in Ukraine may spread across Europe
