Zelensky: Russia Is Trying to Split Ukraine Along the Dnipro

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on 10 November, following a meeting of the Supreme Command Headquarters (the Stavka), that Russia is trying to split Ukraine along the Dnipro River. According to him, this is being pursued through attacks on bridges and energy infrastructure, which affect daily life in the country's cities and villages. He made the statement in his evening video address, which was cited by the Office of the President and the Financial Times.

What the president said

Zelensky noted that the Stavka discussed many issues that must be addressed for the regions, cities and communities having the hardest time because of Russian strikes. The meeting looked in detail at the challenges posed by Russia's operation against Ukraine's bridges and electricity networks. In his assessment, Russia wants to divide the country and do as much damage as possible to the lives of people, cities and villages.

Warning to the European Commission

The Financial Times reports that Zelensky also warned of Russia's desire to "divide Ukraine in half" along the Dnipro in a recent conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union.

What came before

On Monday, after the Stavka meeting, Zelensky also said that Ukrainian forces are currently strengthening Ukraine's negotiating position. The source gives no further detail on which talks are meant or how exactly the position is being strengthened.