Ukraine war intensifies with Russian attacks in eastern region

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Enters Fifth Year Amid Escalating Tensions

A recent surge in Russian forces’ offensive against Ukrainian territory has led to a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics. According to reports, Russian artillery shelled outlying communities of Kramatorsk, a city in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, on February 27. This marked the first time that Russian forces have targeted Kramatorsk or its suburbs with tube artillery.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) confirmed this information, stating that Kramatorsk is one of four cities forming a “fortress belt” in the Donetsk region, which Ukraine has heavily invested in defending. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported having seen leaked documents detailing Russian war plans, which include seizing unoccupied parts of Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded the surrender of the fortress belt as a condition for a ceasefire. However, Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii stated that Ukraine is holding its ground, with estimates suggesting net gains of 257 square kilometers this year. The last time Ukrainian forces made net gains on their own territory was during a 2023 counteroffensive.

The conflict has seen significant losses for Russia, with the ISW estimating that the total number of Russian soldiers killed or wounded over the past three winter months is approximately 92,850. Ukraine has also scored several fire victories in recent days, including damaging Russian naval vessels and oil infrastructure.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has called for a “cessation of hostilities” in his country’s conflict with Iran, while offering mediation services to Russia. The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera