Ukraine must reach Sea of Azov: military explains counteroffensive strategy

He shared the information on Espreso TV.

"Our strategic areas of attack are Berdyansk and Melitopol. Because strategically, we need to reach the Azov Sea. To take control of a part of the Azov Sea and the Crimean bridge, which must be destroyed. To cut the Russian grouping into two parts. Attacking ports on the Black and Azov Seas is an economic strategy. This gives us great prospects. Of course, active actions are ongoing in several areas. Where there is success, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will try to develop it," Kostenko emphasized.

The colonel also added that the destruction of Russia's military potential is one of the tasks of the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

"This will be the focus of our future strategy. The war is entering a new phase - the war of economies. We need to understand our resources, it is important to decrease their resources. This will allow our troops to advance more successfully," Kostenko emphasized.

• On August 22, military and political observer of the Information Resistance group Oleksandr Kovalenko noted that Robotyne was the biggest obstacle to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' advance toward Tokmak.

• On August 22, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said he did not believe the war in Ukraine had reached a "deadlock.”