Russia Ukraine war, page-22642

https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-...-latest-12541713?postid=3763619#liveblog-body

‘Russia's four objectives in 'phase two' of invasion
By Mark Stone, news correspondent

The Russian Ministry of Defence has published a four-point set of objectives for phase two of its invasion of Ukraine or special military operation, as the Kremlin calls it.

1. Control over Donbas
2. Create terrestrial corridor to Crimea
3. Blockade Ukranian Black Sea ports
4. Control over southern Ukraine and create an exit to Transnistria

Analysts have long suspected that this would be an obvious set of objectives. Phase three would then involve another go at the capital Kyiv.

Western officials remain firmly of the view that Putin's original objective of toppling the Ukranian government, by force if necessary, is still the ultimate plan.

It's interesting and surprising that the Kremlin clearly feels emboldened enough now to publish its intentions openly. Gone is the "we have no intention of invading Ukraine" nonsense from early February.

Now it's in black and white: take the far east, encircle the Black Sea cities, push west. The question is, could Moldova be next?

Point four of the plan is the most interesting.

Transnistia is a breakaway territory in Moldova, it borders Ukraine and it comprises about 12% of Moldovan land.

Transnistria is aligned to Russia, its flag still proudly bears the Hammer and Sickle and it is home to a regiment of Russian soldiers.

Moldova, remember, is constitutionally neutral, has no functioning army and does not have the protection of either EU or NATO membership.

So the vulnerability is obvious.

But what Putin intends to do and what he is capable of doing are two different things. Phase one of this war was a comprehensive disaster for Russia and resulted in a humiliating retreat.

Phase two is being conducted by a regrouped and rearmed Russian army in the east. Under a new commander they may now be a much better fighting force.

But the rush to arm the Ukranian military is in full swing - two $800m American injections in as many weeks.

Success for Ukraine in the Donbas is key. But fighting around occupied port cities in the south is fierce too as Russia seeks to build that land bridge to Transnistria.

If Russia is successful in the south, and they join the dots to Transnistria, then an existential threat for Moldova emerges.’