The move is being seen as a possible change of strategy after the invasion faltered.
Russian forces have made gains in the south and are now looking to control the east
"The combat capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces have been substantially reduced, which allows us to concentrate our main efforts on achieving the main goal: the liberation of Donbas," he added, referring to an area in eastern Ukraine largely in the hands of Russian-backed separatists. The exact end goal of Russia's invasion has not been made explicit, but President Vladimir Putin described the aims as the "demilitarisation" and "denazification" of Ukraine, characterising the government's leaders as a neo-Nazi junta killing millions in a genocide of Russian speakers.
Russia's army has had greater success in the south, seizing towns and cities such as Kherson, and making some gains in the east.
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