The end of the first Russian military operation in Ukraine

The Russian army announced today, Friday, the end of the first phase of its military operation in Ukraine, stressing that it will focus from now on on the complete "liberation" of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.

"The main objectives of the first phase of the operation have been achieved," said Deputy Chief of the Russian General Staff, Sergei Rudskoy.

"The combat capabilities of the Ukrainian forces have been significantly reduced, to focus the bulk of efforts on the main goal: the liberation of Donbass," he added.