On Tuesday, 29 March 2022, Russian Defense Minister Serhiy Shoigu appeared on the propaganda TV channel Russia24, stating that the main tasks of the first stage of the "special military operation" in Ukraine have been completed "in general".
Now, according to Shoigu, the Russian military "can focus on the liberation of Donbass," Radio Svoboda reports.
The head of the Russian Defense Ministry called it the main goal of the operation, adding that it will be conducted until all goals are achieved.
Shoigu, in particular, said that the army of Ukraine "suffered significant losses, the air force and air defense systems are almost destroyed," the navy "ceased to exist," writes "Medusa".
Shoigu also mentioned the issue of spring conscription, noting that conscripts will not be sent to "hot spots". According to him, even fewer recruits will arrive than last year.
The head of the Russian Ministry of Defense did not speak about Russian losses during the war in Ukraine.
Last time Shoigu was shown on the Ministry of Defense TV channel “Zvezda”. On Saturday, 26 March, he met with the ministry's leadership to discuss the state defense procurement program.
Earlier, a number of media outlets reported the disappearance of the minister from the media: Shoigu did not appear in public from 11 to 24 March. Then TV channel "Russia24" broadcasted a fragment of the meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, which was attended by the Minister.