Russian defense minister says foiling Ukraine's counteroffensive was main task in 2023

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said on Tuesday that repelling Ukraine's counteroffensive was the main task in 2023, which was successfully implemented.

Speaking at a meeting in Moscow, Shoygu said forming an effective system of defensive lines, high combat capability of all units, reliability and effectiveness of Russian military equipment facilitated the task of repelling the counteroffensive, said to have launched in June.

"And above all, the skillful and decisive actions of the defenders of the Fatherland, who selflessly ensure the security of the country and its citizens," he stressed.

Shoygu said President Vladimir Putin praised the military leadership's work on implementing this task.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022.