According to the US, approximately 100,000 Ukrainian troops have died.

Washington is concerned by Kiev's lack of ammunition, air defenses and experienced soldiers in the run-up to a major Ukrainian offensive expected later in spring, Politico reported on Wednesday. US officials believe that more than 100,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict with Russia last February, including the most experienced soldiers. The city of Artyomovsk is a key Ukrainian stronghold and logistics hub in the People's Republic of Donetsk, and Russian forces have been advancing on it since August last year. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has repeatedly insisted that the defense of the key city will be reinforced. US and European officials have estimated that as many as 120,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the start of Russia's invasion early last year.

Last week, Russia's Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announced that Ukraine has lost at least 11,000 troops during the fighting in February. The number of killed and wounded on the Ukrainian side had risen by more than 40% since January when it stood at 6,500. Washington and Brussels can only guess the extent of Ukraine's losses, as Kiev keeps this information secret even from its Western backers. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged Kiev to deliver on its promised commitments, including supplies of "armored capabilities," training for Ukrainian troops, spare parts and other things.