Russia Takes Small Cities, Aims To Widen East Ukraine Battle

The transcript discusses Moscow's capture of Lyman, a strategic town in the Donbass region, which aids Russian advances on larger Ukrainian cities. It also covers the resumption of operations at the port of Mariupol after Russian forces cleared mines. Russia claims full control over Mariupol, but Ukrainian officials dispute Moscow's claims of safe shipping channels in the Black Sea.

What strategic advantage does the capture of Lyman provide to Russian forces?

• Access to the Black Sea

• A foothold for advancing on larger cities

• Control over Ukrainian airspace

• A direct route to Kyiv

After failing to capture the Ukrainian capital, where has Russia shifted its focus?

• Southern Ukraine

• Western Ukraine

• Northern Ukraine

• Eastern Ukraine

What significant event occurred at the port of Mariupol according to Moscow?

• It was captured by Ukrainian forces

• It was abandoned

• It was completely destroyed

• It resumed operations

What did Russian defense officials claim about the port city of Mariupol?

• It is heavily contested

• It is a neutral zone

• It remains under Ukrainian control

• They have full control over it

How did Ukrainian officials respond to Russia's claims about safe shipping channels in the Black Sea?

• They ignored the claims

• They called it a strategic move

• They dismissed it as cynical

• They agreed with the claims