British intelligence says Russia and Ukraine suffered heavy losses

British military intelligence says both Russia and Ukraine are suffering heavy casualties in a counter-offensive by Kiev forces.

"In recent days, fierce fighting has continued, culminating in Zaporizhzhia province, Donetsk and around Bakhmut. In these areas, Ukraine continues to attack and make small advances," according to a British Ministry of Defense intelligence report on June 18.

Ukraine began its counter-offensive this month after a long period of preparation. Kiev’s forces are said to be making progress while suffering heavy losses. President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that the counter-offensive effort was “generally positive” but “difficult” due to the resistance it faced as it tried to push Russian forces from areas it controlled.

"Both sides are suffering high casualties. Russian losses may be the highest since the peak of the battle for Bakhmut in March," the British intelligence report added.

Ukrainian soldiers train near the front line in Donetsk on June 8. Photo: AFP — Ukrainian soldiers train near the front line in Donetsk on June 8. Photo: *AFP*

The Ukrainian military said earlier in the day that Russia had carried out 43 air strikes, four missile attacks and 51 attacks from multiple rocket launchers in the past 24 hours.

"It doesn't matter who in Russia says our Patriot systems were destroyed. They are here, performing their role, shooting down Russian missiles as effectively as possible. Not a single Patriot system was destroyed," the Ukrainian Defense Ministry posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on June 18 that Ukrainian forces had lost more than 1,000 soldiers and 20 tanks across all front lines the day before.

"The enemy's losses in the southern directions of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia amounted to more than 800 servicemen, 20 tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles and 15 armored vehicles," the Russian Defense Ministry said, but did not specify whether the Ukrainian losses included both dead and wounded or only counted fatalities.

According to the agency, the Ukrainian army also lost two US-made M777 howitzers and several Soviet-made artillery systems. The area around Donetsk city also saw fierce fighting, with Ukrainian forces losing more than 200 soldiers on this axis. Russian forces destroyed several armored vehicles on the outskirts of Donetsk, two large ammunition depots northwest of the city.

It is difficult to judge how successful the Ukrainian offensive has been in recent days. The Ukrainian army has captured several villages in the disputed area, but it is expected that it could take weeks just to reach the first fortified Russian defense line. This will be a real test for Ukrainian soldiers, as the Russian side has been preparing for months.