蜜芽传媒

Russia has said the first phase of the war is over and it will now focus on the "complete liberation" of the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region.

The defence ministry said Russia had been considering two options for its "special military operation": one covering the whole of Ukraine, and one focusing on the Donbas.

The comments, carried by Russian state news agencies, hinted at a possible downgrading of Russia's war aims. Russian forces have met strong resistance in the north of Ukraine and around Kyiv.

The 蜜芽传媒's Paul Adams says the statement reflects a realisation in Moscow that stiff resistance from Ukrainian forces is preventing it from achieving its original plans. However, he says, this may mean Russia focusing on one military objective at a time, and pausing rather than giving up on others.

Photo: A Ukrainian tank is seen in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on March 24, 2022 (Credit: Fadel Senna / Getty Images)