Russia explains that it has not updated the damage of the military operation in Ukraine

At the press conference on March 23, answering a reporter’s question about why Russia has not updated information regarding the damage of the campaign military in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “The Russian Defense Ministry has provided data (on casualties, damage). This is entirely their competence, that of the military. They will provide more information. trust when necessary”.

Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine on February 24 under the pretext of “demilitarization” and “de-fascistization” of Ukraine. Since then, the Russian Defense Ministry has only released data on casualties and damage of the campaign for the only time on March 2. Accordingly, 498 Russian soldiers were killed, 1,597 servicemen were injured to varying degrees. The figure given by Moscow is much lower than the figures estimated by Ukraine and the West.

Western officials say that Russia’s advance has slowed significantly due to logistical challenges and strong resistance from Ukraine.

Answer the interview CNN Asked earlier this week if Russian President Vladimir Putin had achieved his goal in Ukraine, Mr. Peskov said: “Not yet. He hasn’t achieved it yet.” However, he denied that the Russian campaign was stalled. “Military operations are taking place strictly according to the previous plan and objectives. The main goals of President Putin are to eliminate Ukraine’s military potential and ensure Ukraine’s transition from an anti-Russian to a central position. established,” Peskov said.

Those are also the views that Russia made in the peace talks with Ukraine. Talks aimed at ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine have so far failed to make much progress, with both sides blaming each other for hindering progress. Officials from both sides confirmed the talks were “very difficult” but both said they would continue.

“Negotiations have begun but there are many difficulties. The Ukrainian side appears to understand the issues that need to be agreed upon in the negotiations, but they constantly change their views and reject their own proposals.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. Foreign Minister Lavrov emphasized that Russia wants to have specific agreements with Ukraine in the future so that no force can seek to violate it.

In another related development, Interfax news agency quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as confirming that Russia and Ukraine had conducted a second prisoner exchange. Details of this exchange have not been released, but in the previous exchange, Russia released a mayor of Ukraine in exchange for the release of nine Ukrainian soldiers captured by Kiev.