Umerov: Russia seeks to open new front in the north

Russia is seeking to open a new front in the north to bring its full manpower and firepower to bear on Ukraine to destroy the nation, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov told Reuters in an interview.

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Although Ukrainian forces have stabilized the front in the northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, Umerov believes Moscow is preparing for a new offensive.

"Their objective is to open a new front in the north to start using all their manpower, firing power, against us, they are continuing with their objective to destroy the [Ukrainian] nation," the official said.

He emphasized that while Ukraine is enduring the situation, it urgently needs more weapons: "We need more firing power, we need long-range missiles, not to allow them [Russians] to enter our state."

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