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Topics: Russia, Ukraine, World News
Hannah Smith
Ukrainian officials estimate that more than 4,300 Russian troops have been killed as the invasion enters its fourth day, though Russia continues to deny any losses.
A new update to Russian casualty figures provided by the Ukrainian defence ministry reports that the occupying forces are continuing to suffer heavy losses amid a stiff resistance by Ukraine's own military.
The estimates, which have not been independently verified, claims that alongside the 4,300 fatalities some 200 Russian soldiers have been taken captive as prisoners of war, with hundreds more injured.
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Ukraine also claims to have inflicted significant damage to Russia's military equipment, with the update estimating that forces have destroyed 27 planes, 26 helicopters, 146 tanks and 706 other armoured vehicles in the first three days of battle.
In addition a number of weapons systems are also said to have been taken out of action, as well as 60 tankers used for refuelling Russian military vehicles, BBC News reports.
The death toll among Ukrainian forces is unknown, however in an update provided by a spokesperson for the Ukrainian government it was estimated at least 210 civilians have died.
'With unseen cruelty, the enemy is destroying residential buildings, hospitals, kindergartens and schools, taking away the right to live from the sons and daughters of Ukrainian land, including children,' Lyudmyla Denysova said, per Sky News, adding that information about attacks on civilians was being collected to be passed to the Hague as evidence of war crimes.
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Russia has yet to confirm a single fatality in its invasion of Ukraine, despite images and footage taken on the ground showing a number of dead or captured Russian soldiers in various parts of the country.
Neighbouring Belarus has confirmed that it has been receiving Russian casualties at its hospitals, with a significant number of Russian forces having entered Ukraine from the Belarussian border.
An assessment of the situation released by the UK Ministry of Defence said, 'Russian forces are continuing to advance into Ukraine from multiple axis but are continuing to be met with stiff resistance from Ukrainian Armed Forces.'
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The new estimates come after it was reported that Russia has been experiencing logistical difficulties with its supply chains, with some troops said to be 'disoriented' and 'demotivated' after having been surprised by the level of resistance they have faced from Ukrainians.
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