Ukraine fights to liberate all its territory, defence minister says

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov visits Berlin
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov walks next to German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (not pictured) during his visit in Berlin, Germany, September 4, 2024. REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen
Source: REUTERS

Ukraine is fighting to liberate all territory captured by Russia in the last decade, and any claim that the country is shifting its focus in the war to prioritise security over land is false, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said on Friday.

"Territorial integrity is part of our values," the Ukrainian minister told a joint press conference with his Norwegian counterpart in Oslo.

When asked about reports that Ukraine is shifting its focus in the war, Umerov said this was false and part of Russian propaganda efforts.

"Our priority is still to protect people, protect the nation, to liberate people from almost 10 years of temporary occupation, so Crimea and Donbas (are) part of Ukraine," he said.

People living in territories held by Russia are all waiting to be liberated, he added.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

You may be interested in

/
/
/
/
/
/
/