Defense Minister Shoigu Says Russia Will Step Up Attacks On Western Weapons In Ukraine

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Tuesday Russia would step up attacks on weapons bases supplied by the West in Ukraine, when the United States approved the previous delayed new military aid shipments.

Speaking in front of Russian defense officials, Defense Minister Shoigu said Russia had "removing the myth of Western arms excellence" and its troops had obtained initiatives at the forefront of 1,000 km (600 miles) of fighting.

"In connection with the threats posed by the United States and its allies, we will continue to improve the composition and structure of the Armed Forces and increase the production of the most popular military weapons and equipment," Defense Minister Shoigu said.

"We will increase the intensity of attacks on logistics centers and the base of Western weapons storage," he said.

He referred to the fact that Washington is ready to supply Ukraine with a new military aid package worth nearly $61 billion, following a vote by the House of Representatives on Saturday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv would soon receive more long-range ATACMS missile systems as part of the package. American officials said the aid would include supplies of ammunition and interceptors for the air defense system.

On that occasion, Defense Minister Shoigu repeated Russia's statement that they had captured Pervomaiske, Bohdanivka and Novomykhailivka villages this month.

On Monday, a Ukrainian commander denied the collapse of the village, saying its forces controlled 15 to 20 percent of the villages.