Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said today that Russian armed forces have accelerated their advance in Ukraine and have taken control of 600 - 700 sq. km. of territory this month, compared to 300 - 400 sq. km. at the beginning of the year, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Belousov also said that Russia had inflicted significant damage on Ukraine's Armed Forces and the country's industrial infrastructure, carrying out 35 massive strikes this year on 146 targets he identified as particularly important.
“As a result, the infrastructure of 52% of the key enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex was damaged“, the minister added.
“I would especially like to highlight the strikes that reduce production capacity, as well as those directed against logistics centers and launch sites for long-range drones“, Belousov said.
Reuters notes that it cannot independently confirm the minister's calculations.
Belousov said that Russia still has work to do to improve its own drone capabilities, including in faster operator training.
As another priority, he cited improving the speed at which tactical groups move.
“This year, 22,725 motorcycles, ATVs and buggies were delivered. By the end of the year, an additional 12,186 units of such equipment are expected to be transferred to our armed forces,“ he added.