Russia’s ministry of defence has claimed 498 of its troops have been killed in Ukraine and a further 1,597 wounded – the first time it has admitted any casualties from its invasion of Ukraine.
Major General Igor Konashenkov rejected reports about “incalculable losses” as “disinformation”, as he revealed Russia’s own count of military casualties in Ukraine for the first time since the attack began last Thursday.
However, Ukraine’s presidential advisor puts the figure much higher and claims more than 7,000 Russian troops have been killed.
The advisor also said hundreds of Russian soldiers – including senior officers – have been taken as prisoners of war.
Countries report differing figures
The ministry also said more than 2,870 Ukrainian soldiers and “nationalists” have been killed, and about 3,700 wounded.
More than 2,000 civilians have so far died in a week of war with Russia, according to Ukraine’s state emergency service.
Sky News has not been able to independently verify these numbers.
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Major General Konashenkov said the families of those killed have been receiving necessary assistance.
He also dismissed media reports that conscripts and cadets had been involved in the invasion.
Kharkiv under heavy shelling
A Ukrainian official said some Russian planes have been shot down in Kharkiv but has not clarified how many.
Kharkiv has been under intense shelling today, with a school and council building among the places hit.
21 people have been killed and 112 injured, Ukraine has said.
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Vladimir Putin’s forces are committing war crimes, as troops step up bombardment of Ukraine’s cities, Boris Johnson has said.
The Prime Minister accused the Russian president of “abhorrent” attacks as Ukraine’s capital Kyiv braced for a siege and the city Kharkiv suffered a further pounding.
He spoke with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday morning, promising further support and weapons for the forces resisting Russia’s military.
There are other unconfirmed claims of Russia using thermobaric weapons and widely-banned cluster munitions.
Officials arrive for peace talks
Officials are expected to arrive tomorrow for the next round of peace talks, the head of Russia’s delegation has told TASS news agency.
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The Russian army is providing a security corridor for the Ukrainian delegation, they said.
The two sides will discuss a ceasefire when they proceed with negotiations. This is a major development and could see an end – even temporarily – to the attacks in Ukraine.