Ministry of Defense: Ukraine has lost more than 43,000 troops since the beginning of the counteroffensive

Since the start of the counter-offensive, Ukraine has lost more than 43,000 troops, informs press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

The ministry clarified that the figures do not include foreign mercenaries, wounded and military personnel killed as a result of strikes with long-range precision weapons in the rear areas.

In addition, since the beginning of offensive operations, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have lost over 4,900 units of various weapons. In particular, the Russian army destroyed 26 aircraft, nine helicopters, 1831 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, including 25 German Leopards, seven French AMXs and 21 American Bradleys.

The Russian special operation in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. During the hostilities, Russian troops took full control of the LPR, as well as most of the DPR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. Subsequently, these entities became part of Russia.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have been conducting active offensive operations since June 4. The Kremlin has repeatedly stated about the lack of success of the Ukrainian army and pointed to the heavy losses of the enemy. July 11 Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informedthat since the start of the counteroffensive, Ukraine has lost more than 26,000 troops.

In total, since the beginning of the special operation, 458 aircraft, 245 helicopters, almost 5,500 drones, as well as more than 11,100 tanks and other armored combat vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been destroyed.