Russia's Special Operation in Ukraine

Ukraine Lost 383,000 Troops Since Special Op's Launch, Shoigu Reveals

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu provided an update on the progress of the special military operation and shared the key accomplishments of the Russian Armed Forces and the nation's military-industrial complex in 2023.
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On Ukraine's Failed Counteroffensive Resulting in Tremendous Losses for Kiev

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.

"[Since June 4], 159,000 military service members have been killed and wounded. [In addition], 121 aircraft, 23 helicopters, 766 tanks, including 37 Leopards, 2,348 armored vehicles of various classes [were destroyed] with 50 Bradleys among them. Apparently, this is why we still do not see US Abrams [tanks], delivered several months ago, on the battlefield," Shoigu told a Defense Ministry meeting.

The Russian Armed Forces are effectively neutralizing foreign mercenaries involved in the conflict.

"The mercenaries actively recruited since the beginning of the special operation have been mostly eliminated. Over 5,800 militants were killed, including 1,427 from Poland, 466 from the USA and 344 from the UK," Shoigu enumerated.

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.

On Russia's Military-Industrial Complex and Nuclear Arms

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.

"Despite sanctions, we produce more high-tech weapons than NATO countries," Shoigu revealed.

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.

"To implement a set of operational and combat training measures taking into account the threats of further NATO expansion to the east," Shoigu told the Defense Ministry meeting.

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