Russian Defense Ministry: Ukrainian armed forces lost nearly 500,000 people

According to RIA Novosti, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that since the start of the special military operation, the Ukrainian army has lost nearly 500,000 people.

"In total, since the start of the special military operation, the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to almost half a million servicemen. The Kiev authorities were unable to achieve their goals in the counteroffensive prepared by NATO "instructors" and myths about the superiority of Western weapons," said Minister Shoigu.

According to Mr. Shoigu, to prevent the collapse of the Ukrainian army, Washington plans to allocate nearly 61 billion USD to Kiev. However, most of this money will be used to finance the US military-industrial complex. In contrast, Russia will continue to reform the composition and structure of the army in accordance with the threats from the US and its allies.

Minister Shoigu added that currently Russian units have taken the initiative on the entire front line and continue to pressure the enemy. Russian forces have taken control of Pervomaiskoye, Bogdanovka and Novomikhailovka in Donetsk, and are expanding the zone of control in Berdychi and Georgievka.

Mr. Shoigu affirmed that the high combat potential of the Russian army allows them to continuously strike the enemy and break through any defense line. The Russian armed forces will continue to solve the assigned tasks until the objectives of the special military operation are fully accomplished.

During a press conference, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said the new military aid package for Ukraine will meet the country's most urgent needs. However, Ryder refused to announce the delivery until the bill passed all stages of review.

According to Ryder, this aid package could include air defense systems and ammunition. However, the Pentagon representative did not provide any other details.