The Ukrainian Armed Forces thwarted the Russian Federation's plans for lightning capture of major Ukrainian cities and forced the enemy to turn their attention in one direction.

The statement came from Deputy Chief of the Main Operations Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexei Gromov, APA reports.

"Thanks to the measures taken and the heroism of the Ukrainian people, we prevented the enemy's plans to besiege Kiev with lightning speed, capture Nikolayev, Odessa, Chernigov, Sumy, forcing him to abandon his aggressive plans and divert attention," said Alexei Gromov.

It was noted that the most intense fighting in Ukraine today is in the direction of the Port.

He added that Russian forces in the direction of Kharkov, as well as Izyum, have taken a defensive position and are trying to prevent Ukrainian units.