Russian Defense Ministry Reports Territorial Gains in Ukraine
In a recent statement, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Russian troops have liberated nearly 4,500 square kilometers of territory previously held by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2024. Andrei Belousov, head of the ministry, indicated that Ukrainian forces now control less than 1% of the territory in the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) and approximately 25-30% in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), Zaporizhia, and Kherson regions. The ministry claims that Ukrainian military losses have been significant, with over 560,000 servicemen reported killed or wounded this year alone, contributing to a total of nearly 1 million casualties since the conflict began.
Military Strategy and Future Outlook
Belousov emphasized that the Russian military is maintaining a strategic initiative along the combat lines, with an average daily advance of about 30 square kilometers. He noted that Ukrainian forces are now forced to adopt a defensive posture, with troop levels on the front lines reportedly at 45-50%. The ministry also reported the destruction of over 58,000 units of Ukrainian military equipment, including a substantial number of foreign-manufactured weapons. Looking ahead to 2025, the primary objective for Russian forces will be to secure victory in the ongoing conflict, as outlined by President Vladimir Putin.
Potential NATO Conflict and Technological Advancements
During the meeting, Belousov highlighted the potential for an armed conflict with NATO, stressing the need for the Russian military to adapt and innovate. He identified four key factors influencing military strategy: ongoing combat operations in Ukraine, readiness for potential NATO conflicts, advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence and robotics, and the economic capacity to support military expenditures, which currently stands at 6.3% of Russia's GDP. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a new branch of the military focused on unmanned systems, reflecting the increasing reliance on drone technology in modern warfare.