Agencies cite statements Sergei ShoiguWhich was to convey during a conference call during the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations that “the main tasks of the first stage of the special military operation have been completed.” He added that now the Russian forces can focus on achieving the main goal, which – according to Shoigu – “Liberation of Donbass”.
According to Shoigu, the first stage of the “special military operation” is Simply illegal aggression against Ukraine, “the armed forces of Ukraine suffered great losses”. According to his message, “the Air Force and the air defense system were practically destroyed.” The Russian Defense Minister said his forces were destroyed 123 of 152 Ukrainian aircraft77 out of 149 helicopters, 152 out of 180 long and medium-range air defense systems.
If Shoigu’s reports were to be believed, not only in the air, but also in the water, then the Ukrainians would have nothing to look for. “The country’s naval forces ceased to exist. And all the formations of the ground and air forces suffered great losses. ” The question is why, in the face of such military successes – as Shoigu asserts – the Russians now plan to confine their operations to the Donbass.
Shoigu spoke publicly for the first time since mid-March. He disappeared on March 11thAs reported by the Ukrainian side, suffered a heart attack After the criticism leveled at him by Vladimir Putin after the first weeks of the war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not confirm that Shoigu had a heart attack. Last seen on March 26Now he decided to speak.