Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that his forces would crush Ukraine’s counteroffensive at a time when Kiev, on the contrary, is ensuring a “push”.
For the second time since Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday June 13 that his army was repelling the attack Ukraine has been preparing for months. Nevertheless, the Supreme Commander of the Ukrainian Army continues to report “progress”. Franceinfo looks back at the highlights of the day.
Moscow claims it is inflicting “catastrophic losses” on Ukraine
“(Ukrainian) casualties are approaching catastrophic levels,” Vladimir Putin assured a televised meeting with Russian war correspondents, reiterating that Russian casualties are “ten times lower.” According to him, Kiev has lost “about 25% or maybe 30% of Western-supplied equipment,” putting the figure at 160 tanks and more than 360 armored vehicles. On the Russian side, he acknowledged the loss of 54 tanks, some of which were repairable. This data could not be verified from independent sources.
Moscow also claimed for the first time on Tuesday that it had captured German Leopard tanks and American Bradley armored vehicles provided by the West. According to Vladimir Putin, on June 4 Ukraine launched its “large-scale counteroffensive” on “several” sections of the front, naming two areas in the south and one in the east, without mentioning Bakhmout. “The enemy has not succeeded in any of these areas,” he claimed.
Kyiv claims ‘profits’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conceded on Monday evening that the offensive in the south and east to liberate Russian-held areas was “difficult” but making progress with the recapture of seven villages in the south and advances around Bachmout.
On Tuesday, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Army Valery Zaloujny again reported “advances”. “Heavy offensive and defensive battles are taking place in the east and south of our country,” he said on the broadcasters. He then added, “We have wins, we’re executing on our plan, and we’re making progress.”
Vladimir Putin admits lack of ammunition and drones
Speaking to Russian war correspondents, Vladimir Putin also admitted that Russia had not adequately prepared for attacks from Ukraine on its territory. “It was possible to be better prepared for that,” he said, as Russia had to evacuate thousands of people after a massive invasion and attacks from Ukraine. “It became clear that several things were missing: high-precision ammunition, communications equipment, drones,” Vladimir Putin said.
On the ground, Russia fired its rockets at Ukrainian cities again during the night from Monday to Tuesday. In Kryvyi Rig, the birthplace of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, these bombings claimed the lives of at least 11 people shortly before dawn, with one residential building and one warehouse being particularly destroyed.
Threats to the grain deal
Vladimir Putin has again threatened to cancel the agreement on exports of Ukrainian grain. This agreement was struck in July 2022 and helped alleviate the global food crisis caused by the conflict. “We are now considering withdrawing from this grain agreement (…). Many conditions that should apply have not been respected,” stated the Russian President, who accuses Kiev of using the sea corridors provided for in this agreement Russian fleet with drones.
Paris denounces digital interference by Moscow
France on Tuesday accused Russia of being behind a wide-ranging operation of digital interference, notably by publishing false articles hostile to Ukraine in major French dailies. “The French authorities have pointed out the existence of a digital information manipulation campaign against France involving Russian actors and in which state bodies or entities linked to the Russian state have participated by disseminating false information,” Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said . Paris is in “close ties” with its allies “to defeat the hybrid war waged by Russia,” she added.
The campaign targeted media sites, the State Department and other government institutions by setting up mirror sites, said ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre.