Ukraine lost over 35,000 soldiers in May – Moscow

Belousov said at a meeting of CSTO defense ministers in Kazakhstan that Russian forces continue to "systematically reduce the fighting strength of the Ukrainian armed forces."

The minister claimed that Kiev has lost a significant number of soldiers this month, as well as more than 2,700 heavy weapons, including 290 tanks and armored fighting vehicles. These include four U.S. Abrams tanks, seven Leopards and 12 Bradleys. In addition, he said Ukraine has lost 11 aircraft, four helicopters, and about 730 field artillery pieces and multiple rocket launchers.

Belousov noted that given the heavy losses on the battlefield and the inability to seize the initiative, especially given that Ukrainian forces were gradually being pushed back in the Kharkov region, Kiev was resorting to attacks on civilian infrastructure to demonstrate to its Western sponsors that their attacks are correct and could cause damage to Russia. "The intensity of these actions is increasing in light of the meeting to be held in Switzerland in mid-June," Belousov said, referring to an international "peace summit" scheduled to be held next month. Russia has not been invited to the talks, but said it will not participate in them in any case, as the talks will revolve around President Zelensky's "peace formula," which Russia rejects as "unrealistic."

Belousov reported that this month alone, Russian forces have intercepted more than 1,000 drones, more than 250 HIMARS and Vampire missiles, more than 80 Hammer guided bombs, 50 ATACMS missiles, and eight SCALP cruise missiles.

"Literally the night before last, there was the most massive attack with 10 ATACMS on a bridge in Crimea, the flight time was less than two minutes. All missiles were shot down. This saved hundreds of lives."

Despite Kiev's efforts, Belousov said Russian forces continue to liberate new territories, ensure the safety of the population and take measures to achieve all the objectives of the military operation. "We will continue to respond firmly and appropriately to security threats," he said.