KIEV: The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces has stated that Russian forces are engaged in a "continuing propaganda effort" aimed at persuading them that the ongoing battle must finish by May 9.

Victory Day is observed in Russia on May 9 to commemorate Nazi Germany's capitulation in 1945. Every year, it is commemorated with a military parade that has grown in size and opulence in recent years.

According to Ukrayinska Pravda, Russian "military and political authorities are still not denying the prospect of continuing to conduct the war against Ukraine" despite huge losses and demoralised people, according to the General Staff.

"The occupying troops are destroying the infrastructure of peaceful communities and villages while breaking the norms of war."The majority of medical facilities on the Russian side of the Ukrainian border, close the border, are said to be occupied by wounded Russian army servicemen. The General Staff noted, "Russian troops are also attempting to rebuild the fighting capability of its airborne units."

It went on to say that Ukrainian troops destroyed 12 Russian tanks, over 20 pieces of military equipment, and nine artillery systems on Thursday, killing more than 200 Russian servicemen.

Military alliance is "yet to show what it can do to save people”: Zelensky

NATO agrees to strengthen eastern flank, increase aid to Ukraine

Joe Biden discusses Ukraine situation with leaders of European Union