Russia has lost more than $5 billion in military equipment since its launch of a “special military operation” in Ukraine on February 24, global media firm Forbes reported on Saturday.
The estimated losses were calculated based on open sources, including reports from both the Ukrainian and Russian governments.
According to the General Staff of Ukraine, over 2,500 pieces of enemy equipment have been destroyed as Russian forces continue to carry out military offensives in Kyiv and neighboring cities.
Among the neutralized Russian military equipment are 58 aircraft, 83 helicopters, 363 tanks, and 1,205 armored combat vehicles.
Forbes explained that it based its calculations on the cost of each piece of equipment that Russia used to invade Ukraine. The Su-25 is worth $11 million, the Su-30 costs $33 million, and the Su-34 is valued at $36 million apiece.
The outlet also learned that the two Il-76 large landing aircraft destroyed near Vasylkiv and Kropyvnytskyi cost $86 million apiece.
Additional Findings
According to Forbes, the Russian military suffered the heaviest equipment losses on February 25 as the Ukrainian forces put up heavy resistance.
The fewest losses were reported on March 2.
Forbes revealed that it has yet to include the cost of missiles fired since the start of the war in its calculations. Russia’s inventory of Iskander ballistic missiles and Kalibr cruise missiles reportedly cost around $3 billion in total.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers have seized Russian tanks and armored personnel carriers during the conflict. Ukroboronprom provides repair and maintenance for these captured vehicles.
“If a part of the hull or a caterpillar is damaged, this can be quickly resolved, we have no problems with the necessary components,” Ukroboronprom official Vladislav Krykliy said. “We are painting over elements that indicate that this is Russian military equipment.”
Apart from military equipment, Russia has reportedly lost more than 12,000 military personnel.