Russian forces are preparing to resume offensive operations, a spokesperson of Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday according to Reuters. Russian forces are still trying to take Mariupol and other towns and cities, the spokesperson added, noting that Russia's main efforts are focused on encircling Ukrainian troops in the East of the country. 

The remarks come after the top Russian peace negotiator Vladimir Medinsky acknowledged that Ukraine has "essentially agreed" to Russia's core demands of not joining NATO and that, if Ukraine sticks to its promises, the threat of the emergence of a NATO stronghold in Ukraine is removed. Medinsky said that talks with Ukraine will continue, but the nation's position on Crimea and the Donbass are unchanged.