Russian Defense Minister Shoigu, who continues to invade Ukraine, stressed that the offensive is intensifying, saying, "We are expanding the area we control in all directions." On the other hand, Ukrainian President Zelensky is increasing his vigilance against attacks by Russian troops, such as appealing for the need to build fortifications to strengthen defense lines on the eastern front.
Russian Defense Minister Shoigu said at a meeting with military commanders at the Ministry of Defense on Wednesday that Ukrainian forces have lost more than 1,6 soldiers and failed in their counteroffensive since June.
"Russian soldiers are acting skillfully and boldly, expanding the area they control in all directions," he said, stressing that they are intensifying their offensive.
On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address to the nation on November 12 that he would proceed with the construction of fortifications to strengthen the defense line against the attack of Russian troops.
Specifically, he cited the front lines in Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk Oblast and Kupyansk in Kharkiv Oblast, where Russian troops are intensifying their offensive, and appealed that "it is necessary to hasten construction in all major directions."
In an interview with The Associated Press, President Zelensky said of the Ukrainian army's reverse offensive, "I wanted to get the result quickly, but unfortunately, it is true that we did not get the result we wanted."
He said, "We are entering a new phase of the war," and is increasing vigilance as the Russian army is repeatedly attacking large-scale attacks by drones and other vehicles as we enter a full-fledged winter.