The russian army plans to establish full control over Donbas and southern Ukraine and secure a land corridor to Crimea during the second phase of a "special operation" launched this week.
"Since the beginning of the second phase of the special operation, which began just two days ago, one of the tasks of the russian army is to establish full control over Donbas and southern Ukraine," the russian news agency Interfax quotes Minnekayev.
According to the russian military official, the control of the russian army over the South of Ukraine will also allow access to the Dniester region.
"Th control over the south of Ukraine is another way out in the Dniester region, where the facts of oppression of the russian-speaking population are also recorded," Minnekayev said.
"They think they can capture Donbas and the South of Ukraine, relying on the economic pressure of our state. We have our own scenarios for defending Ukraine, and I want to remind you that many Kremlin plans have already been destroyed by our army and people. This is a war for freedom, and we will win," Yermak said on Telegram.