"Russia Shifts to Defensive Operations, Mines Laid in Occupied Areas"...Ukraine's Counteroffensive Intensifies

"Indicates Difficulty in Launching Additional Offensive"
Civilian Attacks Intensify...Concerns Over Forced Relocation of Residents

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the Russian army invading Ukraine suffers heavy losses and the Ukrainian army's counterattack intensifies, it is reported that they have begun defensive operations by planting landmines throughout the occupied territories. There are concerns that if the war prolongs, casualties on both sides will increase further.

According to CNN on the 24th (local time), the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated in a press release, "We have driven out Russian forces from the areas surrounding the capital Kyiv (Kiyev)," adding, "Russian troops have retreated up to 70 km from downtown Kyiv and have withdrawn to about 35 km in most areas."

The previous day, the Ukrainian Navy announced that it attacked Berdyansk, a port city located on the Sea of Azov and near Mariupol, which is currently surrounded by Russian forces. During the attack, the Ukrainian Navy emphasized that they sank the Russian landing ship Orsk, which was docked there.

The reason the Ukrainian army's counterattacks are intensifying in various locations is interpreted as the Russian army suffering from manpower and equipment shortages, making additional offensives difficult and thus switching to defensive operations.

The U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) pointed out in a report, "Numerous reports and satellite images have begun to emerge showing that Russian forces have started digging defensive positions and planting landmines," adding, "They appear to have entered full-scale defensive operations in preparation for a prolonged war, indicating a difficult situation where launching large-scale offensives on the front lines in the near future is unlikely."

Amid this worsening situation, the Russian army is intensifying indiscriminate bombings and airstrikes against civilians. According to AFP, at least six civilians were killed and 15 injured in Kharkiv (Kharkov), eastern Ukraine, on the same day. Oleg Sinehubov, governor of Kharkiv, condemned the attack on civilians, stating, "Russian forces fired missiles near a location distributing relief supplies," AFP reported.

In Mariupol, claims have emerged that Russian forces are preparing to forcibly relocate 6,000 residents to Russia, according to AP. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that day that Russia took Mariupol residents to camps as hostages to pressure Ukraine, AP reported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.