A high-ranking defense official from the United States announced on Friday that Russia has suffered significant losses in their violent conflict in Ukraine. The official cited figures of 315,000 Russian casualties, including both deaths and injuries, at least 20 Russian naval ships sunk, and a potential direct financial cost of $211 billion to support and maintain their military actions.

According to an official from the United States, Russia has suffered losses of approximately $10 billion due to delayed or terminated weapons sales, as well as an additional $1.3 trillion in projected economic growth until 2026.

The number of casualties reflects a recently released U.S. intelligence evaluation, which was initially disclosed to Congress in December.

On Wednesday, the Ukrainian military reported that they utilized advanced naval drones to sink a Russian landing ship in the Black Sea. The Russian government has yet to respond.

The official stated that the attack was a demonstration of Ukraine’s ability to safeguard its coast and maintain the transportation of goods such as grain and iron ore to support its economy and military efforts.

Although the Ukrainian military has achieved victories against the Russian navy, the Russian land forces have still been advancing in the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka.

According to on-site reports, Ukrainian troops have been facing challenges with low supplies of ammunition and may be compelled to retreat.

A senior defense official stated that it is apparent that Ukrainians are facing a shortage of crucial resources, specifically ammunition. They believe this could foreshadow potential consequences if the necessary additional funds are not received.

According to the official, if the United States does not provide resupply capabilities, there is a risk of other important areas on Ukraine’s front line running short on supplies. This includes the lack of air defense interceptors necessary for safeguarding major urban areas.

The United States has not provided additional assistance to Ukraine since the end of December due to depleted funds. A new bill, which includes over $60 billion for Ukraine and seems to have support from both parties in the House of Representatives, was passed by the Senate. However, House Republican leaders, who currently hold the majority in the House, are opposed to the legislation.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that the majority of military aid to Kyiv, amounting to 99%, comes from NATO allies. He also mentioned that these allies have increased their assistance in recent weeks.

“This behavior will persist,” stated Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser for the White House, earlier this week. “While other allies and partners have contributed, the United States has played a major role and it is impossible for them to completely compensate for the gap. We must confront this reality head on.”

NATO has reported that the US has given approximately $75 billion in military, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. Additionally, other NATO allies and partners have contributed over $100 billion.

According to Pentagon spokesperson Jeff Jurgensen, the delivery of certain munitions and equipment to Ukraine is continuing as outlined in previously awarded contracts under the USAI, despite a lack of additional funding from Congress. These supplies include artillery rounds, missiles for multiple launch rocket systems, air defense, and other capabilities.

The PDA and USAI provide different ways for the Department of Defense to supply equipment and weapons to Ukraine. While the PDA allows for immediate delivery from existing stocks, USAI is used for longer-term procurement from industry. Currently, both sources of funding have been depleted.

According to Jurgensen, the United States is currently manufacturing approximately 28,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition per month. However, there are plans to increase production to 70,000-80,000 per month by the end of 2024. Currently, USAI funding is being utilized for the production of these rounds.

According to him, the Defense Department will not be able to reach its goal of creating 100,000 155 mm rounds per month without extra money. Due to Congress’ inability to pass new funding bills, operating on ongoing resolutions may hinder the department’s efforts to expand capacity for essential missile capabilities.

Jeff Seldin from VOA was a contributor to this report.

Source: voanews.com