Russia acknowledges loss of 498 soldiers in Ukraine

KABUL (Pajhwok): Nearly 500 Russian soldiers have been killed and 1,597 others wounded in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence in Moscow says.

The military casualties came following Russia’s invasion of the former Soviet republic on February 24. The war in Ukraine has so far shown no signs of coming to an end.

Releasing the first official military casualties in Ukraine, the ministry said 498 Russian soldiers were killed in the line of duty.

The declared goals of the Russian assault include the demilitarisation of Ukraine, as well as defence of the Donbass republics.

Igor Konashenkov, the ministry spokesman, spurned as groundless reports that Russia was using conscripts and cadets of military institutions in the operation in Ukraine.

The ministry claimed Russian forces had taken control of the towns of Krasny Liman, Torskoye, Kremnenaya, Varvarovka and Borovenki.

PAN Monitor/mud

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