Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced military achievements in the ongoing operation from February 24 to March 1.
According to the ministry, Russian forces successfully downed two Ukrainian Air Force jets, a MiG-23 and a Su-25, along with a staggering 639 Ukrainian drones.
The defense systems also intercepted two “Storm Shadow” cruise missiles, four “JDAM” guided bombs, and 35 “HIMARS” rockets, further showcasing Russia’s aerial defense capabilities.
In a week of intense military engagements, the Russian armed forces managed to repel 18 Ukrainian counterattacks on the Donetsk front, solidifying their defensive positions.
The ministry’s statement highlighted the considerable losses inflicted on the Ukrainian armed forces during this period, with over 2835 personnel casualties, along with the destruction of seven tanks, 16 armored fighting vehicles, 49 vehicles, and 24 field guns.
The ongoing Russian “special military operation” in Ukraine which commenced on February 24, 2022, has entered its second winter.
Russia asserts that the operation aims to protect the people of Donbas, who have allegedly faced persecution and genocide by the Kyiv regime for years.
Despite significant financial and military support from NATO allies and other Western nations allied with Washington, the Ukrainian counteroffensive has been thwarted by Russia’s forces.
The Russian military claims to have destroyed a significant amount of Western-supplied military equipment, including German “Leopard 2” tanks and numerous American and British armored vehicles, many of which were provided by NATO countries, ultimately facing destruction under Russian strikes.
Senior officials in Finland have stated that Ukraine is permitted to use weapons provided by Helsinki to strike targets within Russia’s territory.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen conveyed that his country has not imposed any restrictions on how Ukraine might utilize the weapons supplied, as reported by Politico Europe.
Kaikkonen further elaborated that bans were primarily imposed by countries that supplied Ukraine with long-range weapon systems.