Defense ministry: Russia using scorched-earth policy in eastern Ukraine

Russia is using a scorched-earth policy in eastern Ukraine, destroying the areas with aviation and artillery before Russian troops are entering them, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine are successfully repulsing enemy attacks.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Defense Ministry Spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzianyk during a briefing at Ukraine Media Center, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“The aggressor is extensively launching fire with tactical missile systems and aviation all over the contact line, namely in the Donetsk operational district and Sloviansk direction. The enemy is using a scorched-earth policy practically everywhere, in Sievierosonetsk, in Bakhmut, same as they did in Popasna, Mariupol – they are simply destroying the area with aviation and artillery before Russian troops are entering it. Meanwhile, it is unclear what they will do with this area afterwards. But, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are successfully repulsing offensive actions, and we are absolutely confident that our actions will remain successful in the future,” Motuzianyk told.

In his words, Russian troops continue to suffer losses in Ukraine.

“Over the past day, Ukrainian defenders have repulsed 11 enemy attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk directions, destroyed six tanks, 10 armored fighting vehicles and six motor vehicles. The Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense units shot down an enemy Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicle and Su-25 aircraft. The Ukrainian aviation and air defense missile units destroyed four enemy cruise missiles,” Motuzianyk noted.

In general, between February 24, 2022 and May 23, 2022, Russia’s total combat losses in Ukraine reached about 29,200 troops, 204 aircrafts, 170 helicopters, 1,293 tanks, 3,166 armored fighting vehicles, 93 anti-aircraft warfare systems, 201 multiple launch rocket systems, 2,206 motor vehicles, 43 special equipment units, 604 artillery systems, 476 unmanned aerial vehicles, 13 boats/cutters and 110 cruise missiles.

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