Russia is resuming efforts to advance in eastern Ukraine through the Izumi city area, in order to subdue Sivrododnak. According to a new report by the British Ministry of Intelligence published this morning (Saturday), the Russian army’s goal is to carry out a maneuver that will improve its chances of penetrating deep into the Donetsk region, so that it can envelop the city of Sivrododnak to the north. If they meet Russia’s demands and leave the corridor that will open for them, Russia may claim that it does not distinguish between them and Ukrainian forces in the region.
Meanwhile, yesterday Ukraine received a significant strengthening from the EU, which recommended making it a candidate country. Next week, EU leaders are expected to approve the executive’s recommendation regarding Ukraine and its neighbor Moldova.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zalansky tweeted last night following the announcement, saying: “The heroism of the Ukrainians has brought an opportunity to Europe to create a new history of freedom and remove the gray area between the bloc of EU countries and Russia.” He added that “just imagine a really strong European power, European independence and European development within Ukraine”.
The decision on Ukraine was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Lane, wearing the colors of the Ukrainian flag: “Ukrainians are willing to sacrifice themselves for the European perspective. We want them to live the European dream with us.” Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by saying, “We do not see any problem in Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. It is not a military bloc, it is the right of every country to join an economic union.”