In a statement reported by Reuters, it said that Ukraine launched the offensive on Sunday with six mechanized infantry battalions and two tank battalions.
– The enemy’s goal is to break through our lines in what they believe is the most vulnerable sector of the front line. The enemy did not achieve its goals, it was not successful, said the Russian statement.
Additionally, it is said that 250 Ukrainian soldiers died, and 16 tanks, 21 armored vehicles, and several armored personnel carriers were destroyed.
– Afraid of losing his life
The ministry has also published a video of several Ukrainian armored vehicles on the plain, exploding after being hit.
Reuters has not been able to verify the claim.
Delayed counterattack
Ukrainian authorities have said several times that the long-awaited counteroffensive is on its way. By Saturday at the latest, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said they were ready. It was unclear whether Sunday’s alleged clashes were the start of the backlash.
For several weeks, Ukraine has been working to try to weaken Russia’s position. Just before the end of the month, a senior official told Reuters that preparatory operations, such as destroying supply lines and blowing up warehouses, were already under way.
Super weapons can decide
A power plant in Russia’s Belgorod region was attacked by drones early Monday, according to the region’s governor. Belgorod borders Ukraine and has been attacked several times in recent weeks.
Gerasimov at the front
Russian defense chief Valery Gerasimov was in the area where Ukraine struck, according to the Defense Ministry. It said that Gerasimov was in the staff area.
In recent weeks, Gerasimov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu have been harshly criticized by the leader of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Wagner led an offensive against eastern Ukraine’s Bakhmut, which after months finally ended successfully in May.
Prigozhin several times accused the Russian military leadership, among other things, of incompetence. Neither Shoigu nor Gerasimov have publicly commented on the allegations.
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