Russian Defense Minister: 28 Towns Liberated in May

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced the liberation of 28 new towns during May. Belousov stated during a meeting of the defense ministers of member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Almaty: "Kyiv has received more than $278 billion from Western countries since 2022 with the aim of prolonging the conflict." Regarding the battlefield situation, Belousov mentioned: "Russian forces have forced Ukrainian troops to retreat 8-9 km in key areas of Kharkov region, and advances are ongoing on all fronts," noting that 880 square kilometers of territory had been liberated during 2024. Belousov confirmed that the use of Western weapons against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Russia was taking place with the involvement of NATO advisors. He added: "Russian forces intercepted more than a thousand drones and over 250 'HIMARS' and 'Vampire' missiles, along with 50 'ATACMS' missiles during May." Belousov asserted that the Russian army repelled a large attack on the Crimea Bridge with 10 'ATACMS' missiles last week. He continued: "Ukrainian losses during May exceeded 35,000 troops and more than 2,700 vehicles, including 4 'Abrams' tanks and 7 'Leopard' tanks." Belousov pointed out that "despite losing its offensive capabilities, Kyiv continues to convince the West of its readiness to fight to the end."