Moscow, November 1 – Ukrainian forces are suffering defeat despite receiving new types of weapons from NATO, stated Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a thematic select committee meeting. “Despite the supply of new NATO weapons, the Kiev regime is suffering defeat. Russian troops continue to actively defend and effectively strike at the enemy,” said the head of the ministry. The minister clarified that the Ukrainian Armed Forces desperately and unsuccessfully attempt to attack in the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson directions, resulting in significant losses for the Ukrainian army. “The Ukrainian Armed Forces are exhausted, and there is a growing demoralization among the personnel,” emphasized Shoigu. Meanwhile, Russian units continue to advance, occupying more advantageous positions and frontlines. He highlighted the 25th, 138th, and 114th motorized infantry brigades for their exceptional performance in combat. The Minister of Defense also acknowledged the effective work of Russian air defense forces, as they destroyed more than 1,400 enemy air attack assets in the past month, including 37 aircraft and six operational-tactical ATACMS missiles. “I want to emphasize that 37 aircraft is almost twice the number that has been guaranteed to Ukraine in terms of F-16 aircraft deliveries. This is approximately 20 days of work for our air defense system,” explained Shoigu. The minister thanked Russian military personnel for their courage, resilience, and perseverance in carrying out tasks in the special operation zone. Since June 4, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been conducting a counter-offensive in the South Donets, Artemivsk, and Zaporizhzhia directions, deploying brigades trained by NATO and armed with foreign equipment. As Vladimir Putin noted, they have achieved no results. In contrast, Russia confidently progresses towards achieving the objectives of the special operation, affirmed the president, expressing confidence that all tasks will be accomplished.
