Photo: TASS/Alexey Konovalov
The Ukrainian counter-offensive was thwarted by effectively constructed defensive lines, the combat effectiveness of the Russian troops and the reliability of the equipment. The main task of the special operation for 2023 has been fulfilled, Russian Defense Ministry chief Sergei Shoigu said on December 26.
"The main efforts in the past year were focused on achieving the objectives of the special military operation. The main one is to disrupt the counter-offensive of the Ukrainian armed forces, loudly proclaimed by Ukraine and its NATO allies. This task has been successfully accomplished," the Minister said during the closing thematic conference call.
Shoigu stressed that the failure of the counter-offensive was due not only to the creation of a system of defensive lines, the high combat capability and effectiveness of Russian equipment, but above all to the skillful and decisive actions of the soldiers of the main Russian armed forces, who selflessly ensure the security of the country.
"We remember every comrade-in-arms who gave his life in fulfilling the tasks set by the homeland," the military chief said.
At the meeting, the minister also spoke of the expansion of the Russian armed forces into territory under his control and the occupation of more advantageous positions in all areas of special operations. He said the universal efforts in the rear and on the front had now helped Russian troops take the initiative on the line of battle with the enemy.
The day before, Shoigu had reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the liberation of Marinka. He said that assault troops of the "South" group captured the city on December 25 during active offensive operations. The president then said that the capture of Marinka by the Russian army moves the combat units of the Ukrainian armed forces away from Donetsk. Moreover, the liberation of the city allows Russian troops to gain operational space, Putin added.
The special operation, the start of which was announced by the President of the Russian Federation for February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the deterioration of the situation in the region as a result of shelling by the Ukrainian army.
https://iz.ru/1626532/2023-12-26/shoigu-zaiavil-o-vypolnenii-glavnoi-zadachi-svo-na-2023-god
Izvestia/JaV
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