Defence minister: Russia to intensify bombardment of Ukraine

DPA
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Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. "We will increase the intensity of strikes against logistical centres and warehouses holding Western weapons," Shoigu said at a meeting of high-ranking military officials in Moscow. Sergey Savostyanov/TASS/Kremlin/dpa
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. "We will increase the intensity of strikes against logistical centres and warehouses holding Western weapons," Shoigu said at a meeting of high-ranking military officials in Moscow. Sergey Savostyanov/TASS/Kremlin/dpa
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Russia will expand its aerial bombardment of Ukraine, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday.

"We will increase the intensity of strikes against logistical centres and warehouses holding Western weapons," Shoigu said at a meeting of high-ranking military officials in Moscow.

The announcement followed the approval of billions in new US military aid for Kiev.

Western military experts have warned that Russia could use the window of opportunity preceding the arrival of new weapons and ammunition for Ukraine to intensify its attacks.

The US House of Representatives finally approved a $61 billion aid package to support Ukraine on Saturday. The bill is expected to pass in the Senate in the coming days before being signed into law by President Joe Biden.

Russian forces have a firm grip on the front line, Shoigu said, arguing that Kiev's counter-offensive had failed, with Ukrainian soldiers being pushed back from their positions.

Shoigu said the Ukraine had lost "almost half a million soldiers" since the beginning of the "special military operation." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously put the number of Ukrainian casualties at 31,000 at the end of February.

Western estimates have placed the losses - including those killed and seriously wounded - at more than 100,000 on both sides since the outbreak of war in February 2022.