Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: IOF infiltrate Khallet Wardeh towards the municipality in the town of Aita al-Shaab, south of Lebanon.
Leaders of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey sign a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Trump arrives in Sharm el-Sheikh
Israeli PM's office: PM informed Trump he would not attend Sharm el-Sheikh Summit on account of Jewish holidays.
Israeli media: Netanyahu makes last-minute decision to cancel trip to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Large crowds gather in Khan Younis to welcome the liberated Palestinian detainees, waving flags of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in celebration
Buses of released prisoners arrive in Ramallah
Israeli media: Netanyahu gifts Trump a "Golden Dove".
Israeli media: Netanyahu will take part in Sharm el-Sheikh Summit.
Trump's Air Force One lands in Tel Aviv

Ukraine lost over 71,000 troops since 2024 began: Shoigu

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 20 Mar 2024 17:29
  • 3 Shares
4 Min Read

Among the losses are four Abrams tanks, five Leopard tanks, six HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems, and five Patriot complexes.

  • x
  • Ukraine has lost over 71,000 troops since 2024 began: Shoigu
    A Russian serviceman from an anti-aircraft missile battalion of the Central Military District is seen near a Buk-M3 SAM system in the Avdiivka area. (Sputnik)

Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has lost about 71,000 men and 11,000 units of various weaponry, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday.

During a meeting with senior military officials, Shoigu elaborated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost more than 71,000 soldiers and 11,000 units of various weaponry, adding that "this is almost three times higher than the same period last year."

Among the losses of the Ukrainians are four Abrams tanks, five Leopard tanks, six HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems, and five Patriot complexes.

Shoigu declared that 3,501 Ukrainian troops were killed or injured during raids on Russian border villages in the Belgorod and Kursk districts.

Ukraine's last effort to cross into Russia's Belgorod and Kursk areas involved almost 2,500 servicemen, 35 tanks, and perhaps 40 armored vehicles.

He recalled that the "most active fighting was conducted in the area of the settlement of Kozinka" and that all attacks were repelled successfully.

"At the same time, the losses of the Ukrainian armed forces in the direction of the actions of the groups covering the state border for eight days of hostilities amounted to more than 3,500, or rather 3,501 people, of which 790 were killed."

US very concerned about Russian victory in special operation zone

The Minister stated that the US is highly concerned about the Russian military forces' successes in the special operations zone, citing that it is becoming harder for them to persuade the West to continue funding Ukraine's failed war efforts.

Shoigu detailed how Russian air defenses intercepted 419 drones and 67 missiles launched by the Ukrainian military against Russian sites during the three days of the presidential election.

Related News

Russian security chief explains West's key 'mistake' regarding Russia

Kiev losses exceed 23,000 troops in January: Russian MoD

"The Russian forces strengthened security around government and social infrastructure assets, ramping up air defense capabilities to prevent acts of terrorism. During the election, 419 UAVs and 67 missiles were downed," he explained.

He further accused the Ukrainian army of targeting voting stations "with tacit approval of their Western military advisers," noting that these deliberate attacks took place intentionally while civilians were present. 

In Russian-controlled areas in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a Ukrainian suicide drone attacked an electoral center causing fire, the Oblast's Election Commission told Sputnik on Sunday morning, adding that the center had not yet opened its doors. 

Ukraine running dangerously low on air defense missiles: The Telegraph

Ukraine's supply of air defense missiles is running low once again and is expected to run out by the end of March, The Telegraph reported.

According to the British news outlet, Ukrainian air defenses will begin to prioritize targets in aerial attacks rather than trying to defend against all incoming threats. This means that instead of attempting to destroy all incoming Russian missiles, Ukrainians will have to ration their ammunition in vital cities like Odessa.

This comes with the continued destruction of air defense systems and stockpiles in precise Russian strikes, including US-made and supplied Patriot systems and Soviet-era S-300 systems, which make up a significant percentage of Kiev's anti-air capabilities.

A security source informed Sputnik earlier this month that two US-made Patriot systems were destroyed by a Russian Iskander missile defense system attack in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).

Despite the non-stop massive supplies sent Ukraine's way, its Western backers struggle to keep up with the demands of the conflict, translating to several strategic losses on the battleground for the Ukrainian regime. 

How fragile are Ukraine's defense lines?

Newsweek reported on Thursday, citing military sources, that the recent capture of Avdiivka on February 17, has been followed by the continuous expansion of Russian control along the frontlines.

In fact, Avdiivka has been one of the most important fortified cities under the control of Ukrainian forces, which has prevented Moscow from advancing further in Donetsk.

According to the source, Ukrainian forces are "both outmanned and outgunned along the front." The recent fall of Avdiivka was in part blamed on ammunition shortages. Since then, Russia's expansion has been "incremental" and will likely increase in the short term as long as aid remains stalled in the West.  

News of air defense shortages will further compromise Ukrainian defensive lines, as Russia's precise strikes and munition will be able to hit several strategic depots and systems along the frontline.

  • Ukraine
  • Russia
  • war in Ukraine
  • Sputnik
  • Sergey Shoigu
Russia & NATO

Russia & NATO

As the Draconian Western-led sanctions on Russia exacerbate the economic crisis worldwide, and as Russian troops gain more ground despite the influx of military aid into Ukraine, exposing US direct involvement in bio-labs spread across Eastern Europe and the insurgence of neo-Nazi groups… How will things unfold?

Most Read

Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jaafarawi in an undated image in Gaza, occupied Palestine (Social media)

Gaza Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi killed by collaborators

  • Politics
  • 12 Oct 2025
Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl

The Life of a No-Girl: The one verse Taylor Swift refuses to sing

  • Arts and Culture
  • 8 Oct 2025
Ceasefire in Gaza takes effect amid conflicting signals and bombings

Gaza ceasefire takes effect; 'Israel' resumes bombing, timing disputed

  • Politics
  • 9 Oct 2025
Illustration of fists breaking shackles, representing the liberation of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. (Illustrated by: AL Mayadeen English/Batoul Chamas)

4 prominent Palestinian detainees to be freed: Who are they?

  • Palestine
  • 13 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Freed Palestinian prisoners carry rifles as they arrive in the Gaza Strip following their release from Israeli jails, outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, October 13, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Palestinian resistance remains steadfast, victorious Larijani says

Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Laffan inspecting the command structure of the 10th Infantry Brigade in Kfarskhna-Zgharta on October 13, 2025. (Lebanonese Army)
Politics

Lebanese Army chief: Israeli aggression threatens Lebanon's security

Hamas fighters escort buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners arriving in the Gaza Strip after their release from Israeli jails, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, October 13, 2025 (AP)
Politics

154 Palestinian prisoners exiled to Egypt under exchange deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives before US President Donald Trump addresses the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Monday, October 13, 2025 in Occupied Al-Quds. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)
Politics

Netanyahu withdraws from Sharm el-Sheikh summit amid regional pushback

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS