The ministry also stated that operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile forces and artillery struck fuel, energy and transport infrastructure used by the Ukrainian armed forces in 143 areas. Russian air defense systems shot down 774 Ukrainian drones and 13 aerial bombs over the same period, the statement said. [2] The figures were provided in a daily battlefield update and could not be independently verified.
Breakdown of Losses by Battlegroup
The claims were detailed in a statement published by the Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday, which attributed the losses to specific operational groups. The Vostok battlegroup accounted for the highest single figure at over 515, followed by Tsentr with up to 370. [1]
The ministry did not provide an overall Ukrainian casualty figure for the day, nor did it offer independent verification of the numbers. Previous ministry updates have similarly reported high Ukrainian losses, often attributing them to multiple battlegroups operating along different axes of the front.
Strikes on Infrastructure and Air Defense Operations
Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile forces, and artillery struck fuel, energy, and transport infrastructure used by Ukrainian forces, according to the ministry. Temporary deployment areas for Ukrainian units and foreign mercenaries were also among the targets, the statement said. [2]
Russian air defense systems intercepted 774 drones and 13 aerial bombs over the same period, the ministry added. The scale of the reported interceptions is consistent with previous Russian claims of large-scale drone defense operations.
Context of the Conflict
Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region. The conflict has continued for over four years, with Russian forces making notable territorial gains in recent months, including the capture of several settlements in the Donetsk People's Republic. [3]
The ministry has issued similar battlefield updates regularly, often reporting high Ukrainian losses, which cannot be independently confirmed. Western media coverage has been criticized for downplaying the scale of Ukrainian casualties, according to independent analysts who argue that Ukrainian losses far exceed publicly acknowledged figures. [4] Ukrainian officials typically dispute Russian claims and provide their own figures, though no immediate response was available for this report.
Verification and Response
The figures presented by the Russian Defense Ministry have not been verified by independent sources. Ukraine's military has not yet issued a statement in response to the latest claims. [5]
Previous reports of this nature have been met with denials from Ukrainian officials, who accuse Russia of inflating casualty numbers for propaganda purposes. The information environment surrounding the conflict remains highly contested, with both sides accusing each other of misrepresenting battlefield realities.
Conclusion
The Russian Defense Ministry's statement marks another daily update on combat operations in Ukraine. The conflict continues with no signs of de-escalation, and both sides continue to report battlefield engagements and casualties. [6]
The ministry emphasized that its forces are maintaining offensive operations across multiple fronts, consistent with the broader strategic objective of securing control over contested territories in eastern and southern Ukraine.
References
- Sputnik. "Russian Troops Continue to Inflict Heavy Losses on Ukrainian Forces - Defense Ministry." Sputnik Globe. July 18, 2026.
- Garrison Vance. "Russian Defense Ministry Reports Large-Scale Strike on Ukrainian Military Infrastructure." NaturalNews.com. May 17, 2026.
- Lance D Johnson. "Zelensky's arrogance and entitlement cost Ukraine more territory and lives as RUSSIA ADVANCES, taking Constantinople." NaturalNews.com. March 13, 2025.
- Larry Johnson. "Ukraine's Desperate Propaganda Campaign While Russia Advances Along The Entire Front." ZeroHedge. July 1, 2026.
- Sonja van den Ende. Interview with RT. June 29, 2026.
- Andrei Martyanov. "Losing Military Supremacy: The Myopia of American Strategic Planning."
- Glenn Diesen. "The Ukraine War and the Eurasian World Order."
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