Ukraine suffers paramount losses in Donetsk amid Russian advance: MoD
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Ukraine's losses are seeing a stark increase as Russia advances further in light of the fierce battles in the Donbass.
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Ukrainian servicemen from Code 9.2 unit unload ammunition from Humvee at the frontline positions, a few kilometers from Bakhmut, Donetsk People's Republic, April 23, 2024 (AP)
The Ukrainian armed forces suffered substantial casualties in the past 24 hours near the settlements of Krasnohorivka and Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Russian Defense Ministry said Monday.
Up to 395 military personnel were among the casualties, Moscow announced as the grinding battles continued to unfold.
According to the ministry, the southern grouping of the Russian armed forces has made advancements in their positions along the frontline, consolidating their strategic foothold in the region.
The statement outlined the extensive losses incurred by the Ukrainian forces, which included three tanks, four armored combat vehicles, two cars, a US-made M198 howitzer, a D-30 gun, and the Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station.
Moreover, the central grouping of Russian forces successfully repelled 10 counterattacks launched by Ukrainian troops near DPR settlements, resulting in an estimated loss of up to 370 soldiers for Kiev. Additionally, this grouping has asserted control over the Semenivka settlement.
On the western front, the Russian forces thwarted three attacks by Ukrainian troops near several settlements of the Lugansk People's Republic, further bolstering their standing on said front.
In the eastern sector, the Russian grouping effectively repelled two counterattacks by Ukrainian forces in the DPR. The statement indicated that Kiev suffered up to 125 military casualties during these engagements.
Situation worsening for Ukraine
Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, acknowledged on Sunday that Kiev's battlefield position has worsened after Russian forces captured another village in the east.
In a Facebook post, Syrsky stated, "The situation at the front has worsened," while also recognizing that Russia possesses "a significant advantage in forces and means," allowing them to make advances amid "heavy fighting."
Ukrainian forces have "retreated" to new lines in a section of the front that runs past the city of Donetsk. Syrsky added, "In some sectors, the enemy had tactical success, and in some areas, our troops managed to improve the tactical position."
This development occurs amidst Russia's ongoing advances in the Donetsk region as Kiev awaits much-needed US weapons and munitions promised earlier this month with the latest approval of an aid package for Kiev.
Read more: Russian forces continue to advance in Donbass, take villages
Despite recent US financial aid approval, Russia's gains have unveiled the urgent need for reinforcement as Ukraine faces increasingly difficult challenges on the front lines.
