Shoygu stated that a significant increase in casualties among Ukrainian soldiers was detected, as the number of those killed in battle rose by 40 percent in February compared to January, Sputnik reported this Tuesday.

The defense minister added that the increase in supplying arms by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to Kiev would not lead to winning on the battlefield.

Russia will continue fulfilling the special military operation in Ukraine, launched on February 24, 2022. Our priority is to preserve the lives and health of soldiers and civilians, Shoygu stressed.

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the goal is to “liberate the entire territory” of Donbas and create conditions to ensure this country’s security.

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