According to Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Ukraine has suffered a devastating blow in the ongoing conflict, losing over 383,000 soldiers. In addition, the Ukrainian forces have incurred significant losses, including 14,000 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armored personnel carriers. Furthermore, the Kiev regime has lost 553 aircraft, 259 helicopters, 8,500 field artillery guns, and multiple launch rocket systems. These staggering figures highlight the immense toll the conflict has taken on Ukraine.
Since the commencement of Kiev's counteroffensive in June, Ukraine has suffered significant losses, with over 159,000 troops killed. In addition to the substantial human casualties, Ukraine's military equipment has also been severely impacted, with 121 aircraft, 23 helicopters, and 766 tanks destroyed, including the loss of 37 Leopards. Furthermore, the Russian army has wiped out 2,348 armored vehicles, which includes the destruction of 50 Bradleys.
The Russian Armed Forces are effectively neutralizing foreign mercenaries involved in the conflict.
Russia's air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed a total of 1,062 NATO missiles over a period of six months. These included missiles for MLRS, operational-tactical and cruise missiles, as well as guided aerial bombs.
Shoigu emphasized that the Russian army had liberated lands five times larger than what the DPR and LPR had before the special operation had begun. Additionally, he stated that the Azov Sea now belonged to Russia as its inner waters.
Shoigu added that Ukraine received $203 billion from external donors, which is 30 billion more than its GDP.
"Ukraine has currently received $203 billion from external donors, which is 30 billion more than its GDP. In fact, this is a bankrupt country, since a significant part of these funds are loans subject to repayment," Shoigu told a Defense Ministry meeting.
Russia's defense industry has quadrupled its output since the start of the special military operation, the minister pointed out.
Russia churns out more high-tech weapons than NATO member states in spite of the US-led sanctions targeting Moscow, Shoigu stressed.
The defense chief stressed that Russia swiftly created infrastructure for the “Burevestnik” nuclear cruise missiles and Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drones.
Referring to Moscow's future goals, Shoigu stressed that the Russian military would conduct combat training in 2024, taking into account the threats of NATO's further eastward expansion.