Russia steps up attacks on Ukraine
The Ukrainian army announced that its defense units, which have been protecting many fronts against Russia for months, are trying to repel further attacks from the ground.
The Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine announced that Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks against one settlement in the Kharkiv region, five in the Luhansk region and six settlements in the Donetsk region, including Bahmut.
Bahmut is believed to prepare new ground for his attacks against Russia in the Donetsk region. Russia wants to fully take control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which form the industrial center of Ukraine, the Donbas region, which is partially occupied.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg claimed this was the start of a new attack, saying: “We see how they are sending more troops and weapons and providing capabilities.” Stoltenberg stressed that he believes sending planes will be discussed, but Ukraine needs support from the ground at this time.
Defense ministers of NATO countries will consider increasing military aid to Ukraine at a meeting in Germany today. (Reuters)