Airstrikes targeted the Donbas region
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Ukraine has demanded the “complete restoration” of its territory after Russian airstrikes struck the Donbas region.
As Russia’s offensive evolves, Andriy Yermak, head of the office of the President of Ukraine said the “territorial integrity” of the country must be completely restored.
He said: “The war must end with the complete restoration of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“That is, our victory. Our common victory with the civilized world. After all, today is defending not itself only. Today it is the Thermopiles of Europe.”
His remarks echoed fellow Ukrainian adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, who insisted any concession to Russia is “not a path to peace” but rather a “postponed war” as Russian airstrikes hit the Donbas region and Mykolaiv in the east of Ukraine.
According to Igor Konashenkov, spokesperson for the defence ministry, Russian missiles hit 41 control points and 76 artillery and mortar units.
The war must end with the complete restoration of 🇺🇦 territorial integrity and sovereignty. That is, our victory. Our common victory with the civilized world. After all, today 🇺🇦 is defending not itself only. 🇺🇦 today it is the Thermopiles of Europe.
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) May 22, 2022
After taking control of Mariupol, Russia has refocused efforts in the Donbas, a region Mr Zelensky likened to “hell”.
In order to support efforts in the Donbas, the Ministry of Defence reported Russia has deployed BMP-T Terminator tanks to the region.
Despite the deployment of the unit, the MoD said there are only a maximum of ten tanks available in the Central Grouping of Forces.
Due to this low number, the MoD said the Terminators are unlikely to have a significant impact on the campaign.
“Russia’s only operational company of BMP-T Terminator tank support vehicles has likely been deployed to the Severodonetsk axis of the Donbas offensive,” the MoD said.
“Russia developed Terminator after identifying the need to provide dedicated protection to main battle tanks it used during the Afghan and Chechen wars.
“The Severodonetsk area remains one of Russia’s immediate tactical priorities. However, with a maximum of ten Terminators deployed they are unlikely to have a significant impact on the campaign.”
Despite renewed efforts in the Donbas, Russian forces ceded back control of parts of northern Ukraine.
Ukrainian troops have also re-entered parts of the eastern city of Kharkiv.
