Russia’s top general Valery Gerasimov inspects troops in eastern Ukraine, claiming territorial gains as new peace talks are scheduled.
MOSCOW: Russia’s military chief of staff Valery Gerasimov has visited troops fighting in eastern Ukraine, the defence ministry announced.
The ministry stated on Telegram that Gerasimov “inspected the progress of combat missions” by units of the Zapad force group, without specifying the date or exact location.
The visit was announced days after Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held US-brokered talks in the United Arab Emirates aimed at ending the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the next round of talks is expected on February 1.
In a defence ministry video, Gerasimov claimed Russian troops “continue their offensive along all lines”.
He said the army had seized control of 17 localities and over 500 square kilometres of territory since the start of the year.
Gerasimov added that forces were advancing towards the city of Zaporizhzhia.