Russia announces Ukraine losses, destroys Patriot and S-300; West finds use for Moscow's seized assets

On March 15, the Russian Ministry of Defense said that last week, the Russian Armed Forces (VS RF) destroyed two Patriot air defense missile systems supplied by the US to Ukraine.

Quân nhân thuộc Lực lượng vệ binh quốc gia Ukraine tham gia diễn tập về nguy cơ phóng xạ, hóa học và sinh học, gần Kharkov, Ukraine, ngày 29/2. (Nguồn: Reuters)

Servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine take part in a drill on radiation, chemical and biological hazards, near Kharkiv, Ukraine, February 29, amid the conflict between the country and Russia. (Source: Reuters)

In addition, VS RF also destroyed HIMARS multiple launch rocket system launchers and S-300 air defense missile systems of Ukraine and radar stations.

According to the ministry, these successes demonstrated the high efficiency of the Russian army in countering advanced military equipment supplied to the Eastern European country by Western partners.

The ministry affirmed that the destruction of the Patriot systems, which symbolize advanced US military technology, clearly demonstrates the Russian military's ability to adapt to current battlefield challenges and effectively use its available capabilities to achieve strategic goals.

The Russian Ministry of Defense also announced the complete prevention of all attempts by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (VSU) to penetrate the border areas in the Belgorod and Kursk provinces during the period from March 12-15.

Thanks to the coordinated and timely actions of the Russian military and the border guards of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Moscow was able to prevent all attempts to violate the border. To repel the attacks, air power and artillery were used, causing significant losses to the Ukrainian side.

The ministry claimed to have killed more than 550 Ukrainian soldiers, destroyed 16 tanks and 19 combat vehicles, including 11 modern US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, along with 15 cars.

Kiev has not yet responded to Moscow's announcement.

Meanwhile, on the same day, March 15, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky announced that he would continue to attack Russian territory.

After meeting with the country’s military leadership, Mr Zelensky wrote on his telegram channel: “We have identified the most vulnerable places where we can inflict the greatest damage. And we will attack.”

The Ukrainian leader also said he had discussed with VSU Commander-in-Chief General Alexander Syrsky the situation on the front line and the possibility of increasing long-range attack drones (UAVs) on Moscow's logistics operations.

“We have identified the appropriate tasks and timing,” Mr. Zelensky announced.

Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to respond to attacks on his country's territory.

In connection with the situation, Ukraine's supporters will use the windfall from frozen Russian assets to finance arms purchases for Kiev.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said this after meeting his Polish counterpart and the French President in a show of solidarity after weeks of tense relations.

At a joint press conference in Berlin, Mr. Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, as its ammunition-starved army faces its toughest battles since the early days of the conflict with Russia more than two years ago (February 2022).

Chancellor Scholz said the leaders agreed on the need to buy more weapons for Ukraine on the global market and to increase production of military equipment, including in cooperation with partners in Ukraine.

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