Russia MoD unveils tally of 57th day of operation in Ukraine

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The Russian Armed carried out on Thursday precision strikes with air-based missiles on 14 Ukrainian military objects, including an ammunition depot and two personnel concentration areas, Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Major General Igor Konashenkobv said.

"During the day, Russian precision air-based missile hit 14 Ukrainian military objects. The strikes hit a command post, two ammunition depots, two personnel, and military vehicles concentration areas, as well as two nationalists' strongholds," the spokesperson detailed. 

Strike on tank Izyum pic.twitter.com/3LlH3gd1aP

— ZOKA (@200_zoka) April 21, 2022

Konashenkov underlined that the strikes also destroyed ammunition depots near the Shnurki and Slavyansk settlements.

"Ukrainian personnel and vehicles were hit near Cherkasskoye and Alexandrovka. Up to 120 nationalists were eliminated, in addition to over 30 armored and automobile vehicles," he revealed.

64 Ukrainian military objects struck within day

Additionally, he highlighted that Russian aviation struck 64 Ukrainian military objects during the past day alone, including two depots for rocket artillery ammunition.

"During the day, Russian operational and tactical aviation struck 64 Ukrainian military objects, including 17 personnel and military vehicles concentration areas near Liman and Drobyshevo, as well as two rocket artillery ammunition depots near Zaporozhye," the spokesperson said. 

Blockpost pic.twitter.com/rroZzWaVfH

— ZOKA (@200_zoka) April 21, 2022

According to Konashenkov, the Russian air defenses also downed a Ukrainian UAV near the settlement of Yasnoye, Donetsk People's Republic.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said on Tuesday that US allies have aided Ukraine in bolstering its fleet of fighter aircraft. Although Washington has not provided Kiev with some of the Soviet-type weaponry it requested, countries with compatible gear in their arsenal have sent them.

The aid currently being sent to Ukraine, such as artillery pieces, radar systems and coastal defense systems, are tailored to the battles expected in Donbass, according to Kirby, who also added that Ukraine has received more tanks. 

Russia announces 'liberation of Mariupol'

President Vladimir Putin celebrated Russia's "liberation of Mariupol" on Thursday after Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed him that Moscow controls the Ukrainian port city.

In a televised meeting, Putin said, "Block off this industrial area so that not even a fly can escape," adding that it would be "impractical" to storm the area where over 2,000 Ukrainian servicemen are located.

Putin said the "liberation of Mariupol" was a "success" for Russian forces but ordered Shoigu to call off the planned storming of the Azovstal industrial area, dismissing it as "impractical".

"There is no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities. Block off this industrial area so that not even a fly can escape," Putin said.