"We have de-occupied 50% of our territory." Umerov says Ukrainian Armed Forces have passed the second line of defense of the occupiers

Russian terrorist troops have three lines of defense on the frontline in Ukraine. At the moment, the Ukrainian military is between the second and third lines of Russian defense.

This was stated by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in an interview with Fox News. He also noted that Ukraine has already developed a plan for the liberation of territories for 2024.

According to him, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have managed to break through the second line of defense and are now facing the third.

"We have de-occupied 50% of our territory, we are defeating Russia on our land, we have returned the territory, liberated it. Now we have a plan for 2024," the minister said.

The head of the Ministry of Defense emphasized that the achievement of the 1991 borders remains an important strategic victory for Ukraine. Answering a journalist's question about the possibility of resolving the conflict if the war lasts for years, he said that the civilized world should feel ashamed if this happens.

"It will continue and destroy democracy. They (Russians - Ed.) believe that Ukraine and Ukrainians should not exist," Umerov said.

The minister also noted Ukraine's plans to join NATO. According to him, all calculations for the next year, procurement and planning of operations are carried out according to NATO standards.

Umerov also commented on the scandals related to corruption and procurement in the Defense Ministry. He said that tenders, competitions and audits are currently underway. The defense minister also said he was ready to invite external auditors for cross-checking.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, in the Kherson sector, the Defense Forces continue to hold their positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River. The military continue to conduct counter-battery combat and inflict fire on the enemy's rear.

As a reminder, over the past day, the Armed Forces eliminated almost 1.3 thousand occupants, destroyed an enemy aircraft and 37 enemy artillery systems. In total, the defenders thinned out Putin's army in Ukraine by 202 units of equipment and weapons.

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