“Military units that took part in active hostilities and achieved success and victory should rest, increase their combat capabilities,” Putin said on state TV.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported that Russian forces had taken control of Lysychansk, the last disputed major city in Luhansk. Earlier, Ukraine’s military said it was forced to withdraw in the face of Russia’s advantage in artillery, aviation, ammunition and personnel. Continuing to hold out would lead to “fatal consequences” for its troops, the military said in a Facebook post.
“We just gotta keep on fighting,” the post said. “Unfortunately, steel will and patriotism are not enough for success. Material and technical resources are needed.”
The ministry said the Russian blockade of the key port of Odesa in the Black Sea is severely limiting Ukraine’s ability to export grain while harvest has begun. In addition, the war has disrupted the supply chain of seeds and fertilizer farmers use.
That combination will most likely shrink Ukraine’s agricultural exports this year to 35% or less of what they were in 2021, the ministry said, pointing out that drastic reduction from a major wheat producer is contributing to the global food crisis.
Comments