Russians have three lines of defense, AFU has passed two – Umerov

The Ukrainian military is between the second and third lines of Russian defense. Ukraine has a plan to liberate the territories in 2024.

This was stated by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in an interview with Fox News.

Umerov said that the occupiers have three lines of defense at the front in Ukraine. According to him, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have passed the second line and are now facing the third.

"We have de-occupied 50% of our territory, we are defeating Russia on our land, we have returned the territory, liberated it. Now we have a plan for 2024," the minister said.

The Defense Minister emphasized that the return to the 1991 borders remains a strategic victory for Ukraine. Asked by the journalist whether a settlement is possible if the war lasts for years, Umerov said that the civilized world should be embarrassed if this happens.

"It will continue and destroy democracy. They (Russians - ed.) believe that Ukraine and Ukrainians should not exist," he said.

In addition, the minister noted Ukraine's plans to join NATO. According to him, all calculations for the next year, procurement, and planning of operations will be carried out according to NATO standards.

Earlier, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhny, Ukrainian generals, and experts emphasized that minefields and Russian defensive lines were the main obstacle to the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the south.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 06/12/2023