BUCHA, 26 March 2022, (TON): Moscow signalled “it was scaling back its ambitions in Ukraine to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in the East as Ukrainian forces went on the offensive to recapture towns outside the capital Kyiv.”

In an announcement that appeared to indicate more limited goals, the Russian Defense Ministry said “a first phase of its operation was mostly complete and it would now focus on the eastern Donbass region, which has pro-Russia separatist enclaves.”

Sergei Rudskoi, head of the Russian General Staff’s Main Operational Directorate said “the combat potential of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been considerably reduced, which makes it possible to focus our core efforts on achieving the main goal, the liberation of Donbass.”

Reframing Russia’s goals may make it easier for President Vladimir Putin to claim a face-saving victory, military analysts said. Moscow had said its goals included demilitarising Ukraine.

Western officials dismiss this as a baseless pretext for a war they say is aimed at toppling Ukraine’s government.

Facing stiff resistance, Russian troops have failed to capture any major city in the month since invading Ukraine.