It was updated April 22, 2022, 07:36am.
Russia will try to assert full control over large swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine and could be targeting neighborMoldova, a commander of Russia's Central Military District said on Friday.
Russian soldiers are on a tank.
Russian forces plan to establish full control over southern Ukraine and the country's eastern Donbas region as part of the second phase of their military operation.
The plans would create a land corridor from Russia to the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.
Control over the regions would allow for a route to Transnistria, a region that was backed by Moscow.
There is evidence that Russian-speaking minorities are being mistreated.
Moscow justified its invasion of eastern Ukraine in order to protect Russian-speaking groups from persecution in the country.
The clearest insight yet into Moscow's plans is provided by the comments from a senior military official. They represent a marked increase in rhetoric that expands the scope of Russia's invasion. Russia's previous statements highlighted its goal to control the Donbas region, but did not include southern Ukraine or as far west as Moldova. Transnistria has been autonomously since the early 1990s. The region has close ties to Russia, is supported by Moscow and has a pro-Russian regime. Transnistria, which lies on the western border of Ukraine, could be used as a staging ground for a Russian attack. One of the least developed countries in Europe and not a member of NATO or the European Union is worried that it could be in Putin's sights.
Russia wants full control of southern Ukraine and access to the Transnistria region.
Ukraine's tiny neighbor is worried it could be next on Putin's list.
Some people who flee Ukrainians pack their own bags.
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