With undiminished intensity fighting continues on the outskirts of Kievwith reports of powerful explosions and hand-to-hand clashes especially in the northwest and southeast of the Ukrainian capital.
Hours after the announcement of the agreement on the partial de-escalation and mitigation of Russian military operations in Kyiv and Chernihiv, the picture conveyed by international responses and local sources looks the same and unchanged as in the previous 24 hours. Russian forces continue to hold their positions around Kyiv, apparently hitting targets and trying to weaken the Ukrainians’ defensive line.
What is certain is that there was a movement of Russian forces, without, however, clarifying whether it is a retreat, withdrawal or change of position.
According to CNN and its correspondent, Great battles are also taking place around Irpin and specifically at 5 km from the city center, which is located east of Kiev. The sirens sounded again in the center of the city for an impending air attack, while in the surrounding areas large explosions and exchange of fire are heard.
The Ukrainians claim that the fighting has not stopped in the last 24 hours, confirming the estimates of the Americanswho hint that the “retreat” of the Russians is nothing more than a ploy by Vladimir Putin to manage his time.
However, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, in a statement issued after the announcement of the agreement on partial de-escalation in Kyiv and Chernihiv, made it clear that the operation in Ukraine was continuing and that the objectives would be achieved as planned.
Americans warn: “Do not be fools”
U.S. officials have warned the international community that “no one should be fooled by the intentions of the Russians.”
“We believe that the Russians’ moves around Kyiv are a redeployment of positions and not a retreat. “People should be prepared for even bigger Russian attacks in various parts of Ukraine.”
He added: “Also, we should not consider that the threat to Kyiv has disappeared. “Russia has failed to occupy Kyiv and other areas in Ukraine, but it still has great firepower and aggression and will express it in Kyiv.”
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