Russian defense minister claims significant gains against Ukraine

Ukraine has been facing increasing losses since the start of the year, according to the Russian Federation defense minister, Sergey Shoigu. In a post-meeting speech that was noted for its propaganda tone with the military leadership, he highlighted that the Russian forces were driving the Ukrainian troops westward.

It's important to note that many reports from Russian media and official statements often constitute propaganda, serving as components of the information war waged by the Russian Federation.

"Since January, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have suffered over 80,000 casualties, lost 14,000 pieces of various weaponry, including more than 1,200 tanks and other armored combat vehicles," announced Sergey Shoigu during a meeting with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation’s leadership.

In his propaganda-driven speech, Shoigu claimed that following the unsuccessful Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023, the Ukrainian forces attempted to establish strong points on different fronts without success.

In February, Russia marked its first significant victory in nine months by seizing Avdiivka in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Shoigu now states that Russian troops "continue to advance the Ukrainian units" westward.

According to the American Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces have indeed moved westward and southwest from Avdiivka. Geolocational evidence, for instance, shows the Russian 9th Motorized Rifle Brigade reaching the western fringes of the village of Vodyane, to the southwest of Avdiivka.

According to "The Economist," the Russians are gearing up for an offensive slated to begin in the summer. The front lines are already proving to be a formidable challenge for the Ukrainians.

Source: RIA, PAP