Ukrainian forces target over 10,000 Russian artillery systems in 2024 worth $8bn

This was reported by the Ministry of Defense.

According to the ministry, September 22 was the ‘blackest day’ for the Russian army, when Ukrainian forces, according to the General Staff, destroyed 81 artillery systems of the occupying Russian army.

The Ministry of Defense explained that one enemy artillery division is 18 artillery pieces, and an artillery brigade is 72 artillery pieces. Thus, from the beginning of 2024 to October 1, the Defense Forces destroyed 144 enemy artillery brigades.

‘The cost of Russian equipment destroyed this year is at least USD 8 billion. This is an approximate figure based on information from open sources and average prices for weapons and military equipment on the world market. Thus, the enemy's self-propelled artillery systems, howitzers and cannons that have been destroyed or disabled without the prospect of recovery are possibly the most expensive scrap metal in the world,’ the statement said.

The defense ministry also adds that for the $8 billion that Russia spent on artillery systems, the country could have built 13 modern sports arenas or 18 healthcare facilities equipped with the best medical and diagnostic equipment.

• As of October 14, since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russian army's losses have reached more than 670,000 soldiers. The enemy also lost 17,000 UAVs and almost 9,000 tanks.