This revelation, made on a day that marks Russia’s sovereignty, aligns with estimates from Western intelligence sources.
On the occasion of Russia Day, President Vladimir Putin held a meeting at the Kremlin with decorated soldiers who served in Ukraine; however, there was no official response to the Ukrainian military’s statement.
Meanwhile, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius unexpectedly visited Kyiv and observed the intensified Russian offensives as a clear signal that Moscow currently has no inclination towards a peaceful resolution, as reported by the German news agency dpa.
Pistorius underscored Germany’s intention to help Ukraine build its own long-range missile systems and help it finance purchases of homemade material.
“The first systems should be available in the coming months,” he said, adding that Germany will allocate about €9 billion ($16 billion) for supporting Ukraine this year.
“We are deeply convinced that it is the job of the Europeans … to keep supporting Ukraine, and we want to lead the way and demonstrate corresponding responsibility,” he added.
