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.

"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.