Russia taking ‘operational pause’ in Ukraine, analysts say

By MARIA GRAZIA MURRU and OLEKSANDR STASHEVSKYI
Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Foreign analysts say Russia may be temporarily easing its offensive in Ukraine as it attempts to reconstitute its forces for a renewed assault. A Washington-based think tank said Russian forces made no territorial gains in Ukraine on Wednesday “for the first time in 133 days of war.” The Institute for the Study of War suggested Moscow might be taking an “operational pause” that does not entail “the complete cessation of active hostilities.” Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that his forces “haven’t even started” to fight. Shelling continued in Ukraine’s east, and further fighting was reported off the country’s Black Sea coast.