Moscow's top staff member declares persisting military offensive actions

Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov has announced the continuation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with new objectives for an autumn offensive. According to Gerasimov, Russian forces currently control approximately 99.7% of the Luhansk region, and this control extends to around 79% in the Donetsk region, 76% in Kherson, and 74% in Zaporizhzhia.

The ongoing conflict, which has been ongoing for more than three and a half years, has seen constant attacks along the entire front line. In the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, currently held by Ukraine, these defensive strongholds remain crucial.

Kirill Dmitriev, a member of the Russian delegation, has accused the European Union (EU) of trying to prolong the conflict in Ukraine through unrealistic demands. Dmitriev also claims that Europe is sabotaging the peace process. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russia's demand for Ukrainian forces to withdraw completely from the Donetsk region, handing the region over to Russian forces.

Moscow's rejection of NATO representatives is noted in Dmitriev's statements. Russia also criticizes the European intention to send troops to Ukraine, stating it as a hindrance to potential future peace. The European accusation that Russia is using negotiations for new attacks is stated in Kyiv, while Russia counters that the European intention to send troops to Ukraine is a stalling tactic, allowing time for new attacks.

The cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, currently held by Ukraine, are considered crucial defensive strongholds. Russia has threatened to capture these cities in response to Zelensky's rejection of their demand. The control figures provided are not independently verifiable.