Ukraine Expecting Fresh Russian Strikes in East of Country

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Russia's claims of scaling back its assault on the capital of Kyiv.

At peace talks held in Istanbul this week, Russia had vowed to reduce its military attacks on Kyiv and Chernigiv but shelling has continued in both cities.

In a video address, Zelenskyy warned that rather than pulling back, Russia is preparing for a fresh assault in the East of Ukraine.

"We don’t believe anyone, not a single beautiful phrase," Zelenskyy said of Russia's claims. "There is an accumulation of Russian troops for new strikes in Donbas and we are preparing for it."

Britain's GCHQ spy service claims that many Russian soldiers are revolting against their leaders and disobeying orders, with some even sabotaging their own equipment.

"We’ve seen Russian soldiers – short of weapons and morale – refusing to carry out orders, sabotaging their own equipment and even accidentally shooting down their own aircraft," said GCHQ chief Jeremy Fleming.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence is continuing to claim that its invasion is going to plan.

"All these goals have been met," said major general Igor Konashenkov, claiming Russia's aim was to "force the enemy to concentrate its forces, means, resources and military equipment to hold on to high populated areas."
 

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