Russia-Ukraine crisis: 352 Ukrainian civilians killed, 1,684 injured

Ukraine claims that 352 civilians, including 14 children, have been killed in Russia's offensive that began last Thursday.

Around 1,684 people, including 116 children, have been wounded, it said.

However, the statement of the ministry on Sunday did not give any information on the casualties among the armed forces of Ukraine.

More than half a million people have fled Ukraine since the start of Russia's invasion, the UN's refugee arm said. 

Russia has acknowledged for the first time that it has suffered losses.

On the other hand, there are no actual figures available for Russian troops casualties. 

Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov on Sunday said, "There are dead and wounded among our comrades", without giving any numbers.

He added that Russia's losses were "many times" fewer than those of the Ukrainian force.

But Ukraine's defence ministry has claimed that Russia has lost approximately 5,300 servicemen and suffered heavy losses in its arsenal. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin told France's Emmanuel Macron a Ukraine settlement was only possible if Ukraine was neutral, "denazified" and "demilitarised" and Russian control over annexed Crimea was formally recognised.

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia will return to their capital cities for consultations and have plans for fresh talks, both sides announce after a first meeting since war broke out.

Russia has been facing international isolation as talks to resolve the conflict failed to make a breakthrough.

The United Nations General Assembly is holding a meeting on the Ukraine crisis and is set to vote later this week to isolate Russia.

For the second time in a week, India abstained on a UN resolution linked to Russia's Ukraine invasion. New Delhi also welcomed the decision of Moscow and Kyiv to hold talks on the Belarus border.

The United States expelled 12 Russian diplomats at the United Nations over national security concerns.

Ukraine's Western allies increased weapons transfers in support, and Britain called for such transfers to be expanded. Finland agreed to ship 2,500 assault rifles and 1,500 anti-tank weapons. Canada will supply anti-tank weapons and upgraded ammunition, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

Tags: