The main tasks of the first stage of the special military operation in Ukraine have been fulfilled, during which the Ukrainian Armed Forces inflicted significant damage, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a conference call on Tuesday.
"First, about the course of the special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine. In general, the main tasks of the first stage of the operation have been fulfilled. The combat potential of the Ukrainian armed forces has been significantly reduced, which allows us to focus the main attention and main efforts on achieving the main goal - the liberation of Donbass," he said.
According to Shoigu's assessment, "The Ukrainian Armed Forces have suffered significant damage." "Air supremacy has been conquered. The air force and the air defense system have been practically destroyed," the minister said.
He said that out of 152 aircraft that were in the combat staff of the AFU before the operation began, 123 were destroyed, out of 149 helicopters - 77, out of 180 long- and medium-range air defense systems - 152.
"The country's naval forces have ceased to exist. Significant losses were sustained by all land and airborne assault force formations," Shoigu said.
Targets set
The special military operation in Ukraine will continue until the set goals are achieved, Shoigu said.
"The Russian armed forces will continue the special military operation until the set goals are achieved," Shoigu said at a conference call Tuesday.
According to him, the Russian military is actively helping the people of the Luhansk and Donetsk people's republics and Ukraine to establish a peaceful life during the special operation.
"We actively provide humanitarian assistance to the population of the LNR, DNR and, of course, Ukraine. We have already carried out 684 humanitarian actions. 6,079 tons of cargo have been delivered to 210 settlements," Shoigu said.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS