Ukraine targets four Russian airbases in major drone attack, Kyiv source says
Ukraine carried out its largest long-range drone strike of the war on four Russian military airfields in an overnight operation, a Ukrainian security source said on Wednesday.
Ukraine War: Russia's Defence Minister Shoigu Visits Troops in Ukraine
Moscow, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, the ministry said on Monday, in the first official confirmation that he has been in the country since the invasion began almost a year ago.
"Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu visited the units of the Russian Armed Forces involved in the special military operation," the ministry said in a statement.
The statement did not specify where Shoigu visited or when, but it included photographs showing him meeting with military personnel and receiving reports from commanders. The images were accompanied by captions noting that Shoigu was "in the combat zone" and "in the forward area."
The ministry added that Shoigu had discussed the operational situation with commanders and set tasks for future actions. He also visited "positions of Russian troops."
It was the first time Shoigu was reported to be in Ukraine since the invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022. He has overseen the war effort from Moscow, making only occasional public appearances.
His visit comes as the war enters a critical phase, with both sides preparing for spring offensives. Ukraine has been lobbying its Western allies for more advanced weaponry, including fighter jets, in order to launch a counteroffensive to reclaim territory lost to Russia.
Russia, meanwhile, has been bolstering its forces in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donbas region, where fighting has been intense for months.
The ministry did not say whether Shoigu had met with any Ukrainian military personnel.
Shoigu's visit is likely to be seen as a sign that the Kremlin is stepping up its efforts to maintain control of the situation in Ukraine. It also comes at a time when Russia is facing increasing pressure from Western sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
The war has had a devastating impact on both Ukraine and Russia, with millions of people displaced and thousands killed. The conflict has also raised global concerns about nuclear escalation.
Here are some additional details from the article:
Shoigu's visit is the first official confirmation that he has been in Ukraine since the invasion began.
The statement did not specify where or when Shoigu visited.
Shoigu was photographed meeting with military personnel and receiving reports from commanders.
The ministry said that Shoigu discussed the operational situation with commanders and set tasks for future actions.
The visit comes as the war enters a critical phase, with both sides preparing for spring offensives.
Russia is facing increasing pressure from Western sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
The war has had a devastating impact on both Ukraine and Russia.
Here are some potential implications of Shoigu's visit:
It could be a sign that Russia is stepping up its efforts to maintain control of the situation in Ukraine.
It could be a way for Shoigu to assess the situation on the ground and make decisions about future military operations.
It could be a way for Shoigu to boost morale among Russian troops.
It could be a way for Russia to show its Western adversaries that it is determined to continue fighting the war.
It remains to be seen what impact Shoigu's visit will have on the war in Ukraine. However, it is a significant development and is likely to be closely watched by both sides of the conflict.
Moscow, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, the ministry said on Monday, in the first official confirmation that he has been in the country since the invasion began almost a year ago.
"Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu visited the units of the Russian Armed Forces involved in the special military operation," the ministry said in a statement.
The statement did not specify where Shoigu visited or when, but it included photographs showing him meeting with military personnel and receiving reports from commanders. The images were accompanied by captions noting that Shoigu was "in the combat zone" and "in the forward area."
The ministry added that Shoigu had discussed the operational situation with commanders and set tasks for future actions. He also visited "positions of Russian troops."
It was the first time Shoigu was reported to be in Ukraine since the invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022. He has overseen the war effort from Moscow, making only occasional public appearances.
His visit comes as the war enters a critical phase, with both sides preparing for spring offensives. Ukraine has been lobbying its Western allies for more advanced weaponry, including fighter jets, in order to launch a counteroffensive to reclaim territory lost to Russia.
Russia, meanwhile, has been bolstering its forces in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donbas region, where fighting has been intense for months.
The ministry did not say whether Shoigu had met with any Ukrainian military personnel.
Shoigu's visit is likely to be seen as a sign that the Kremlin is stepping up its efforts to maintain control of the situation in Ukraine. It also comes at a time when Russia is facing increasing pressure from Western sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
The war has had a devastating impact on both Ukraine and Russia, with millions of people displaced and thousands killed. The conflict has also raised global concerns about nuclear escalation.
Here are some additional details from the article:
Shoigu's visit is the first official confirmation that he has been in Ukraine since the invasion began.
The statement did not specify where or when Shoigu visited.
Shoigu was photographed meeting with military personnel and receiving reports from commanders.
The ministry said that Shoigu discussed the operational situation with commanders and set tasks for future actions.
The visit comes as the war enters a critical phase, with both sides preparing for spring offensives.
Russia is facing increasing pressure from Western sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
The war has had a devastating impact on both Ukraine and Russia.
Here are some potential implications of Shoigu's visit:
It could be a sign that Russia is stepping up its efforts to maintain control of the situation in Ukraine.
It could be a way for Shoigu to assess the situation on the ground and make decisions about future military operations.
It could be a way for Shoigu to boost morale among Russian troops.
It could be a way for Russia to show its Western adversaries that it is determined to continue fighting the war.
It remains to be seen what impact Shoigu's visit will have on the war in Ukraine. However, it is a significant development and is likely to be closely watched by both sides of the conflict.