**Russia’s Heavy Losses in Ukraine**
Since February 24, 2022, Russia has lost a significant number of troops and equipment in Ukraine. According to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Russia has lost 796,490 troops, including 1,730 casualties over the past day.
In addition to these human losses, Russia has also suffered significant damage to its military equipment. The report states that Russia has lost 9,686 tanks, 20,119 armored fighting vehicles, 32,940 vehicles and fuel tanks, 21,603 artillery systems, 1,257 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,032 air defense systems, 369 airplanes, 331 helicopters, 21,447 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.
**Civilian Casualties**
A 72-year-old Ukrainian educator and philologist, Oleksii Halionka, was killed on January 3 when a Russian missile hit his home in Chernihiv. This tragic incident highlights the risks faced by civilians during the ongoing conflict.
**Global Response**
The international community is also taking note of Russia’s actions. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has canceled engagements for the first half of January due to a case of severe pneumonia. Meanwhile, European leaders are urging Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
**New Developments**
There have been several recent developments in the conflict zone. On January 4, Russian commander Konstantin Nagayko was injured in an explosion, while a Ukrainian “kamikaze” drone attack killed one of Russia’s freelance reporters, Alexander Martemyanov. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the Russian army had lost up to a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian paratroops near the village of Makhnovka.
**Protests in Slovakia**
Approximately 4,000 people assembled in Bratislava on January 3 to protest Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico‘s pro-Russian policies. This demonstration highlights the growing opposition to Russia’s actions in the region.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com