Despite recurrent reports from various sources suggesting the lack of progress of Russian troops in Donbass and the inability to break through Ukrainian lines in Bajmut, the Russian Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, stated during a meeting with the country’s military leadership that Russian troops are successfully advancing in eastern Ukraine.
Shoigu emphasized that “currently, the battles are evolving successfully,” referring specifically to Bajmut and Vugledar. He also stated that, as a result of recent offensives in the Donetsk and Zaporiyia regions, the localities of Soledar, Klescheevka, Podgornoie, Krasnopolie, Blagodátnoye, Lobkove, and Nikolaevka have been controlled by their forces.
The Russian minister stated that despite unprecedented military support from Western countries, the enemy is suffering significant losses. According to him, the Russian military continues to destroy the weapons and equipment supplied to Ukraine. The minister stated that in the last month, the Ukrainian army has lost over 6,500 men, 26 planes, 7 helicopters, 208 drones, 341 tanks and armored vehicles, as well as 40 multiple rocket launchers. Shoigu warned that any increase in Western support for Kiev could result in an unpredictable level of escalation in the conflict.
For his part, the Ukrainian president declared that only by helping their country, avoiding the enemy from manipulating their people’s emotions, and doing everything possible to provide more weapons to their fighters can the success of Ukraine be guaranteed.