Ukraine has lost more than 383,000 soldiers.

During a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on December 19, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu provided an update on the progress of the special military operation. According to Shoigu, Ukraine has lost more than 383,000 soldiers since the start of Russia's special operation.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces also suffered significant losses of military equipment. This includes 14,000 battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armored vehicles, as well as 553 aircraft, 259 helicopters, 8,500 field artillery pieces and numerous rocket launcher systems.

In response to Ukraine's counteroffensive, which began in early June, Ukrainian forces lost more than 159,000 troops, 121 aircraft, 23 helicopters, and 766 battle tanks, including 37 Leopards. Furthermore, the Russian Armed Forces eliminated 2,348 armored vehicles, including 50 Bradleys.

The Russian military also “neutralized” many foreign mercenaries involved in the conflict. “Mercenaries actively recruited since the start of the special operation have mostly been ‘eliminated.’ More than 5,800 mercenaries have been killed, including 1,427 from Poland, 466 from the United States, and 344 from the United Kingdom,” Shoigu said.

According to the Defense Minister, over the past six months, Russian forces have shot down 1,062 missiles launched from multiple rocket launcher systems, cruise and tactical missiles, as well as guided bombs belonging to NATO.

The number of foreign volunteers wishing to join the Russian Armed Forces has increased sevenfold, while in Ukraine the number of mercenaries has decreased sixfold.

During the special military campaign, 272 people were awarded Russia's highest honor – Hero of the Russian Federation. 320,000 people received state awards.

Russia's defense industry has quadrupled. Shoigu stated, "Despite the sanctions, we produce more high-tech weapons than NATO countries."

The Russian armed forces are supplied with artillery ammunition suitable for their tasks. Contract soldiers and volunteers now receive salaries of 210,000 rubles or more. 40 billion rubles have been allocated for housing for those participating in special military operations.

HOA AN (According to SF, AVP/Photo: AP)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/bo-truong-quoc-phong-nga-ukraine-da-mat-hon-383-000-binh-si-a641523.html