Ukrainian intelligence names Russian army's task on front line for autumn-winter period
Photo: Vadym Skibitskyi (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The main goal of the Russian army for the autumn-winter period is to reach the borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The strategic objective is the complete control of Ukrainian territory, states Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Head of the Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, during an expert discussion titled "Genocidal Practices of the Russian Federation in Ukraine: From the Holodomor to the Russo-Ukrainian War."
According to him, the strategic goal of the Russian forces has not changed.
"This winter will mark three years of the so-called special military operation (SVO). What was the goal of the SVO? The 'liberation' of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Yes, plans are being adjusted, but this goal hasn't disappeared. And the strategic objective is the complete control of Ukrainian territory," Skibitskyi said.
The GUR representative added that Russian forces are trying to maintain the pace of their offensive by transferring operational reserves.
"They (the Russians, - ed.) can carry out regrouping from one combat area to another. One moment, and they’ve moved to the Kursk region, and now other movements are taking place, which has an impact. They are bringing in operational reserves that can be used in any direction. Their current task is to maintain the pace of the offensive," Skibitskyi explained.
He also noted that the Russian forces are conducting conscription in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Men can be mobilized into the enemy army, which violates international conventions.
Situation on the front line
According to the General Staff, as of 4:00 PM on November 22, there have been 118 combat engagements on the front line.
The greatest activity of the occupiers is observed in the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vremivka directions.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia has lost over 728,000 personnel.
In particular, during the past day, the Defense Forces eliminated another 1,050 Russian soldiers. Additionally, one tank, 13 armored combat vehicles, 5 artillery systems, and other enemy equipment were destroyed.
