Ukraine’s defense chief says Russia only understands ‘language of force’

Kyiv's defense chief on Wednesday said Russia, which launched a "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022, only understands the "language of force."

"Russia definitely does not plan to stop on its own. The only language Moscow can understand is force. And we have learned this language well," Rustem Umerov said in an address to the 17th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting via videoconference, according to a statement by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

Claiming that almost 36,000 Russian soldiers were killed by Ukrainian forces between the previous meeting in the Ramstein format and today, Umerov said more than 500 Russian tanks, almost 1,000 units of armored vehicles and seven aircraft were destroyed.

He said the weapons provided to Ukraine by its partners "changed the situation on the front." Umerov pointed out HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems, Stormshadow, SCALP and ATACMS missiles, as well as Abrams, Challenger and Leopard tanks as being these weapons in particular.

The defense minister underlined the need to develop Ukraine's capabilities, especially in relation to artillery, armored vehicles, aviation, the navy, IT and demining.

"Our people are waiting for the opportunity to return home. Rebuild their homes. To be reunited with their families," Umerov said.

He claimed that Ukrainian forces pushed out Russian warships from the Black Sea and are gradually restoring freedom of navigation in the region.