Zelensky: "Russian Troops' Donbas Attack Imminent"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the 17th (local time) that Russian forces are preparing to launch an attack in the eastern region.

According to CNN, President Zelensky stated in a video message that "Russian forces are preparing operations in the east and will soon begin an attack."

Russia initially launched a full-scale offensive in northern Ukraine, including Kyiv (Kiyev), but retreated due to strong resistance. They are currently regrouping to attack the eastern and southern regions soon.

President Zelensky said, "Russian forces intend to destroy the Donbas region (in the east)" and added, "Just as they destroyed Mariupol, they want to sweep through cities and communities in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions."

Regarding the rocket and artillery attacks targeting the city center and the densely populated northeastern residential area of Saltivka in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, which killed five people that day, he raised his voice, calling it "(Russian forces') deliberate terrorism."

President Zelensky repeatedly urged allies such as the European Union (EU) to impose an embargo on Russian crude oil.

He said, "Europe and the United States have already witnessed Russia using energy to destabilize Western society," and added, "Russia's gamble to disrupt the fuel market must not succeed."

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