Zelenskyy on situation at contact line: It is getting even tougher

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that there has been a certain increase in the offensive actions of the Russian invaders in the east part of Ukraine. The Russians are trying to show at least some gains before the anniversary of the invasion.

Source: President Zelenskyy in his evening video address to Ukrainians on 1 February

Quote: "Of course, today I held several operational meetings with our military. There has been a certain increase in the occupiers' offensive actions at the contact line, in the east of our country. The situation is becoming even tougher.

I am grateful to all our warriors who are ready for this and who demonstrate the resilience Ukraine needs.

We have steadfastly gone through all this time, from February to February. The enemy is trying to gain at least something now to show on the anniversary of the invasion that Russia allegedly has some chances.

In such circumstances, we all need to be especially united, especially focused on the national interest, and, as a result, especially resilient. I am confident that we will stay like that."

Details: The president reported that in the evening he had signed decrees on awarding Ukrainian warriors. 244 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received state decorations.

Background:

• On 31 January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia wants to take revenge on the battlefield.
• On 1 February, Hanna Maliar, Deputy Minister of Defence, reported that fierce fighting continues in the country's east: "The enemy is trying to expand the geography of the offensive on the Lyman front. It is making powerful attempts to break through our defence".
• Oleksii Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, commenting on the Russian offensive, said that he did not rule out "any scenario in the next two or three weeks" and said that "the main fights are yet to come".
• Andrii Yusov, representative of the Chief Intelligence Directorate, said that Ukraine is on the eve of the "very active phase" of the war; intensive operations are expected at the front in February and March.

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