City of Volnovakha that came under control of the Donetsk People's Republic. Mikhail Tereshchenko / TASS
Moscow Times/AFP: Kremlin Says May Take ‘Full Control’ of Big Ukraine Cities
The Kremlin said Monday it may still opt to take control of large cities in Ukraine, as Moscow's military advances steadily towards several major urban hubs in its pro-Western neighbor.
"Putin gave orders to hold back on any immediate assault on large cities because the civilian losses would be large," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
He added however that the Defense Ministry "does not rule out the possibility of putting large cities, which are already almost fully encircled, under its full control."
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Update: Russia could take full control of major Ukrainian cities - Kremlin (Reuters)
WNU Editor: The Russian media announcement is here .... Kremlin clarifies Russian forces' strategy in Ukraine (RT). More here .... Russia’s operation in Ukraine proceeds according to plan — Kremlin spokesman (TASS).