Key Takeaways:
- Russia has claimed mobile phones were responsible for the latest Ukrainian attack on Makiivka
- According to Ukraine, as many as 400 Russian occupying soldiers have died in the attack
- Russia, meanwhile, claims less than 100 of its men lost their lives
YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Russia has blamed the use of mobile phones by its soldiers for the latest deadly Ukrainian attack on Makiivka. Although exact figures are still unknown, hundreds of Russian soldiers died at around midnight on New Year’s day after Ukrainian airstrikes targeted the occupant forces in the industrial city of Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine.
According to Russian officials, the massive use of mobile phones had helped Ukrainian forces locate their target, resulting in precision strikes. The Kremlin has banned the use of mobile phones by military personnel.
“This factor allowed the enemy to locate and determine the coordinates of the location of military personnel for a missile strike,”
Russian Lt Gen Sergei Sevryukov said in a video statement released by the Russian defense ministry.
He also assured that the Kremlin will conduct an internal investigation to find and punish all personnel responsible for the lapse.
Although the international community still recognizes Makiivka as part of Ukraine, the industrial town has been under Russian occupation since 2014.
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Russia & Ukraine argue over number of casualties
While both Russia and Ukraine have officially confirmed the airstrikes, each has claimed a different number of casualties.
Russia revealed that less than 100 of its soldiers died when Ukraine shot six missiles from the US-made HIMARS rocket system at the targets. While two of these were shot down, others hit a vocational college that housed the invading soldiers.
As per reports, the soldiers were among the batch that Russia recently mobilized following the orders of President Vladimir Putin. The Ministry of Defence has also confirmed that Lt Col Bachurin, the deputy commander of the regiment, was among those killed.
While Russia initially claimed only 63 of its soldiers had died, it later pushed that number to 89. This is the largest one-time loss the Kremlin has admitted since the invasion last February.
Meanwhile, Ukraine insists that Moscow is grossly underplaying its losses. According to Kyiv, as many as 400 Russian soldiers died in the latest Makiivka attack. Moreover, the country claims an additional 300 soldiers were wounded and a large stock of ammunition destroyed.
Despite pressures from Moscow, Ukraine says it is prepared to meet any further escalations from the Russian side. As per reports, the Kremlin is preparing to announce a fresh round of mobilization. If true, the attacks can dent Russia’s chances of finding enthusiasm among possible conscripts.
Protests break out in Russia following the Makiivka attack
Since news of the attack spread, several people have come out to voice their protests in Russia. Hundreds, including lawmakers and nationalists, have demanded strict actions against those responsible for ignoring the safety precautions.
In the southwestern Russian city of Sumara, hundreds of mourners came out to lay flowers in memory of the killed soldiers.
Next month, on February 14, the Russian invasion of Ukraine will complete one year. As CoinChapter earlier reported, several countries, including the United States, have pledged to arm Ukraine in a bid to help it fight off the Russian invasion.
