Now the purpose here is not to favor the Russian side in its military operation in Ukraine but to offer a contrasting view of what's reported by the US government, its complicit enabling MSM, EU and NATO on their coverage of the war in Ukraine.
Shoigu went on to reveal, "A total of 5,937 Russian troops have died during the military operation in Ukraine while "Fatalities on the Ukrainian side are ten times higher, with 61,207 Kiev troops killed". [2]
He went on to say, "Initially, the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to between 201,000 and 202,000 people, and since then they have suffered losses of around 100,000, with 61,207 killed and 49,368 others wounded".
Now there's no way to verify Shoigu's numbers but they certainly contrast with what we get from the western MSM that is all in supporting Kiev. We're told Russia is desperate. That's the reason for its mobilization of 300,000 reservists.
Maybe that's the way all wars are described; always favorable to your side and always negative toward your adversary.
However, it's not that simple especially this war in Ukraine.
Politically look what's also about to happen in the Donbass. Donetsk, Lugansk along with Russian controlled regions of Kherson and Zaporozhye. All four are going to hold referendums from September 23-27 on whether to join Russia.
Remember Crimea held a referendum after the coup in Kiev in 2014 and subsequently became part of the Russian Federation.
In response to these latest referendums Ukraine authorities have issued warnings to Ukrainian citizens they could face steep prison sentences if they take part in those referendums.
[1] "Russia foils Ukraine offensive-MoD", RT, September 21, 2022
[2] "Russia reveals military losses in Ukraine" RT, September 21, 2022
Yet when people vote a certain way in a referendum they are acting in what they believe to be is in their best interests.
All signs indicate the four referendums will reveal a vote to join the Russian Federation and will be accepted by Moscow. Putin has "pledged to support the plebiscites in terms of security and said his government would respect whatever outcomes they produce".
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