MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted on Tuesday that Ukraine was experiencing significant casualties in its much-anticipated counter-offensive against Russian positions in the ongoing conflict.
Putin made these remarks during a meeting with Russian journalists and writers covering the situation. He stated that Ukraine’s losses were reaching a level that could be characterized as catastrophic.
After months of anticipation, Ukraine launched its offensive with the aim of retaking territory from Russian forces. It reported its first gains over the weekend and on Monday, while Russia claimed to have repelled all attacks.
Putin described Ukraine’s counter-offensive as a massive operation utilizing strategic reserves that were specifically prepared for this purpose. He indicated that the offensive was launched on June 4 and identified three sectors where Ukraine was leading the operation: Shakhtar and Vremenksy in the east, and Zaporizhzhia in the south.
According to Putin, the enemy did not achieve success in any of these areas, while Russia suffered significantly fewer losses compared to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Ukraine Loses 30% of Western Equipment: Putin
Kyiv had bolstered its forces over the winter with weapons supplied by its Western allies. Putin claimed that Ukraine had lost approximately 160 tanks and 360 armored vehicles, which accounted for roughly 25 to 30 percent of the equipment received from Western allies. In contrast, Russia reported the loss of 54 tanks, with the possibility of some being repaired and put back into operation.
The counter-offensive was initiated in response to a series of attacks on Russian territory, including in the border region of Belgorod. Putin acknowledged that the possibility of such actions by the enemy had been anticipated, and he emphasized the need to strengthen the border.
Putin disclosed that Russia’s forces in Ukraine were facing shortages of military equipment. He noted deficiencies in high-precision ammunition, communications equipment, and drones, stating that although they possessed these resources, they were insufficient in quantity.
