Russian and North Korean forces have suffered heavy losses, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said that in the clashes on Friday and Saturday, the aggressor's army lost “up to a battalion” of soldiers. – This is significant – he said.
– In yesterday's and today's battles near only one village, Makhnovka, the Russian army lost up to a battalion of North Korean infantrymen and Russian paratroopers (…). This is significant, he said Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening video address.
The Ukrainian leader did not provide any details. The battalion may vary in size, but usually consists of several hundred soldiers, Reuters recalled.
Makhnovka is a village located in the Kursk Oblast, Russia.
Zelensky on the Ramstein talks. “We will convince them”
The president also stated that preparations are underway for the meeting of the Defense Contact Group scheduled for January 9 Ukraine at Ramstein Air Base. As he said, “partner countries (…) that can increase our potential not only in defense against missiles, but also against guided bombs and against Russian aviation” will participate in it.
– We'll talk to them about it, we'll convince them. Life in Ukraine needs protection here and now, Zelensky added.
He also thanked all partners “who understand this and help develop the air shield.”
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/NIKOLETTA STOYANOVA