MOSCOW. Feb 27 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost over 444,000 personnel since the start of Russia's special military operation, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"In total, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost over 444,000 service members in the special military operation," Shoigu said, speaking at a Defense Ministry board meeting on Tuesday.
"Russian troops are continuously and powerfully striking facilities of Ukrainian troops, not allowing them to restore their combat capability," he said.
As a result of resolute and intensive actions by Russian troops, "the Ukrainian Armed Forces' combat capabilities are shrinking," he said.
"Since the start of this year, the adversary's average daily losses have been more than 800 personnel and 120 pieces of various weaponry, including foreign-made," Shoigu said.