TSAMTO, July 4. Russian Defense Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu reported to the President of the Russian Federation – Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on the results of the offensive operation to liberate the territory of the LPR.
The transcript of the meeting is given below in the statement of the Kremlin press service.
S. Shoigu:
Since June 19, formations and military units of the Center group of troops under the command of Colonel-General Lapin, in cooperation with units of the second corps of the People's Militia of the Luhansk People's Republic and with the support of the southern group of troops under the command of Army General Surovikin, successfully conducted an offensive operation to liberate the territory of the Luhansk People's Republic.
Within two weeks, groups in the "Gorsky Cauldron", in the districts of Lisichansk and Severodonetsk were surrounded and liquidated. 25 settlements were taken under control, the largest of which are Severodonetsk, Zolotoye, Gorskoye, Volcheyarovka. The operation was completed yesterday with the liberation of one of the largest cities of the Luhansk People's Republic – Lysychansk. In total, 670 square kilometers of territories were taken under control during active offensive operations.
The total losses of the armed forces of Ukraine amounted to 5,469 people, including irretrievable – 2,218 and sanitary – 3,251, 196 tanks and other armored vehicles, 12 aircraft, one helicopter, 69 unmanned aerial vehicles, six long-range anti-aircraft missile systems, 97 multiple rocket launchers, 166 field and mortar artillery guns, 216 cars for various purposes.
In Lisichansk, retreating, the enemy threw 39 tanks and other armored vehicles, 11 guns and mortars, 48 Javelin and NLAW anti-tank missile systems, 18 Stinger complexes, three unmanned aerial vehicles.
Currently, the city of Lisichansk and its environs are being cleared of mines, humanitarian supplies are being delivered, and medical assistance is being provided to civilians.
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to conduct a special military operation.
Vladimir Putin:Good. Thanks.
As you know, Colonel-General Lapin Alexander Pavlovich and Army General Surovikin Sergey Vladimirovich also reported to me today on the progress of the tasks assigned to them and their proposals for the development of offensive operations. Both the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff have in mind all the proposals of the commanders on the ground.
The units that took part in active hostilities and achieved success, victories in the Luhansk direction, of course, should rest, increase their combat capabilities. And other military formations, including the Vostok grouping and the Zapad grouping, must carry out their tasks according to previously approved plans, according to a single plan, and I hope that everything will happen in their directions in the same way as it has happened in Lugansk up to now.
I agree with your proposal to award the commander of the Center group, Colonel-General Lapin, and Deputy Commander of the 8th Army of the Southern Military District, Major-General Abachev, the title of Hero of Russia. The corresponding Presidential decree will be signed today.
I also ask you to present to the state awards all the servicemen who distinguished themselves during these hostilities. Based on your daily reports, I know that there are a lot of such brave, professional warriors in the Russian army, daring warriors in a good way, and they should all be awarded the appropriate state awards of the Motherland.
My congratulations and words of gratitude fully apply to the soldiers of the 2nd Army Corps of the People's Militia of the LPR - I also know that they acted actively, competently, showed courage and heroism in the truest sense of the word, showed heroism in the liberation of their native land.
I congratulate you all and wish you further success.
Thanks.
