Russian occupying forces focused on surrounding Kyiv – Ukraine's General Staff
KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO — FRIDAY, 4 MARCH 2022, 19:19
A RUSSIAN TANK, PHOTO BY THE GENERAL STAFF OF UKRAINE'S ARMED FORCES
On the ninth day of the Russian invasion, Russia's primary efforts are focused on surrounding Kyiv and weakening resistance in the areas they have blockaded.
Source: The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces as of 18:00 on 4 March
Verbatim: "The [Russian] occupying forces are concentrated on surrounding Kyiva and weakening resistance in the population centres they have blockaded.
"Occupation forces have always conducted missile and bomb strikes on population centres. Artillery and multiple launch rocket systems were used to destroy critical infrastructure and residential buildings".
Details: In the Volyn theatre, the situation for Ukrainian troops has not changed significantly.
In the northern theatre, Chernihiv is carrying out a heroic defence. Troops from the operational group of troops are holding their position on occupied lines.
Near the town of Mykhaylo-Kotsyubyns'ke in the Chernihiv region, a column of up to 200 units of equipment and troops is positioned in front of the water barrier. The bridge across the river has been destroyed.
In the Slobozhansky area, troops continue to conduct defensive battles and are successfully firing on Russian invading forces.
Near Prymorsky, operational groups are covering the sea coast and working to prevent the city of Mykolayiv from being surrounded.
The Ukrainian Air Force is repulsing enemy airstrikes and continuing to conduct systematic combat activity. As of now, the Russian invaders have lost 37 aircraft and 37 helicopters.
"The defenders of Kyiv continue to repel the attack by Russian forces, defeat their attack group and maintain certain lines," the statement read.
"The enemy is demoralized. The local population is showing in every way that they are not happy to see Russia here.
"The struggle continues throughout the whole country," the General Staff said.