Russian Forces Advance in Southern Ukraine as Cease-Fire Talks End – WSJ

KYIV, Ukraine Russia deepened its military offensive in southern Ukraine, penetrating the city of Kherson and pushing toward Zaporizhya, as another round of talks failed to reach an agreement on a cease-fire.

In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled that he is determined to continue to pursue the war, saying that the invasion is proceeding according to plan and successfully achieving its goals.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on residents of Russian-occupied areas such as Kherson, at the mouth of the Dnipro River near the Black Sea, to resist, saying that sooner or later the Russians would be forced to leave.

We will chase them away, with shame, Mr. Zelensky said. Every occupier must know they will not obtain anything here. They will not have anyone submit to them. Anywhere they enter they will be exterminated. They will have no rest. They will have no food. They will not have a single quiet minute.

Ukrainian flag-waving protests have broken out in several smaller towns seized by Russian forces in recent days. Ahead of the war, Kyiv prepared stay-behind insurgent units that would focus on disrupting the Russian forces rear.

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators, who first met in Belarus on Monday, shook hands as they gathered for the second round of talks Thursday afternoon. Mr. Zelensky s adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, tweeted Thursday night that unfortunately, the results Ukraine needs are not yet achieved.

via www.wsj.com