Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian Defense Minister Сергей Шойгу (Sergey Shoigu) has disclosed that the Ukrainian military has suffered significant losses, with nearly 500,000 casualties since February 2022. The revelation was made during a ministerial meeting, where Shoigu highlighted the initiative gained by Russian forces on the front lines and their ability to push back Ukrainian troops. He attributed the success to the pressure exerted by Russian forces, which has made it challenging for Ukrainian defenders to maintain their defensive positions.
Shoigu also addressed the substantial military assistance pledged by the United States to Ukraine, amounting to over $60 billion. However, he expressed skepticism about its potential impact on the battlefield, stating that most of the funding will be directed towards supporting the American military industry. He characterized the US assistance as a cynical move, suggesting that the American authorities are willing to have Ukrainians fight and die for their own interests.
In contrast to the perceived ineffectiveness of US aid, Shoigu praised Russia’s defense production capabilities and its ability to adapt military tactics to the evolving combat situation. He emphasized the effectiveness of long-range attacks on logistics hubs and depots used for supplying Western weapons to Ukraine. Furthermore, he indicated that the Russian Defense Ministry will continue to employ these tactics.
On the Ukrainian side, President Владимир Зеленский (Vladimir Zelensky) has signed into law a comprehensive reform of the mobilization system. This move aims to enhance conscription efforts through stricter punishments for draft avoidance and other measures designed to increase the number of troops available. While the government has not specified the exact number of additional soldiers to be enlisted, Zelensky has expressed his belief that the target of 500,000 is excessive. The president attributed the proposal to former top general Valery Zaluzhny, whom he dismissed in February.
As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how the reported Ukrainian losses, Russian advances, and the impact of military assistance will shape the course of the war. The situation on the ground remains fluid, with both sides seeking to gain an advantage on the battlefield.
