Russia Is Close to Achieving Its ‘Special Military Operation’ Goals in Ukraine, Claims Russian Intelligence Chief

Russia is reportedly close to achieving the goals of its so-called special operation in Ukraine, Sergey Naryshkin, Head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, stated in an interview with the Russian magazine ‘Razvedchik’.

"The strategic initiative is in our hands across all fronts. We are nearing the accomplishment of our goals, while the Armed Forces of Ukraine are on the brink of collapse, and [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy's regime has completely lost its legitimacy and, consequently, its ability to negotiate," Naryshkin claimed.

Notably, Russia’s gains on the Ukrainian frontlines have come at a great cost. November marked the deadliest month for Russian forces, with an average daily loss of 1,523 personnel.

On November 29, Russia's daily casualties in Ukraine surpassed 2,000 for the first time since the beginning of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This sets a new record, exceeding the previous 1,950 casualties reported on November 12.

At the same time, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on December 7 that Russia has spent over $200 billion on its war in Ukraine and suffered at least 700,000 military casualties (both killed and wounded) since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.