Russia’s ministry of defence has claimed 498 of its troops have been killed in Ukraine and a further 1,597 wounded – the first time it has admitted any casualties from its invasion of Ukraine.

Major General Igor Konashenkov rejected reports about “incalculable losses” as “disinformation”, as he revealed Russia’s own count of military casualties in Ukraine for the first time since the attack began last Thursday.

However, Ukraine’s presidential advisor puts the figure much higher and claims more than 7,000 Russian troops have been killed.

Ukraine-Russia news live: Russia launches major assaults on key cities as civilian death toll put at 2,000

The advisor also said hundreds of Russian soldiers – including senior officers – have been taken as prisoners of war.

The ministry also said more than 2,870 Ukrainian soldiers and “nationalists” have been killed, and about 3,700 wounded

Sky News has not been able to independently verify these numbers.

Ukraine crisis; Russian Tory donor previously married to Putin minister recently gave Conservatives £80,000

Ukraine invasion: Cambridge couple paint house in blue and yellow in show of solidarity with Ukrainians

Ukraine invasion: Gas costs surge and oil hits $113 as markets fret over supplies amid Putin’s war

Major General Konashenko said the families of those killed have been receiving necessary assistance.

He also dismissed media reports that conscripts and cadets had been involved in the invasion.

Read more –
Before and after: The devastating impact of Russian missile strikes
Why won’t the West enforce a no-fly zone?
How are the big tech companies responding?

A Ukrainian official said some Russian planes have been shot down in Kharkiv but has not clarified how many.

Kharkiv has been under intense shelling today, with a school and council building among the places hit.

21 people have been killed and 112 injured, Ukraine has said.

Related posts:

Pope Francis’s historic visit has given Iraqis hope of more tolerant days ahead Amid the rubble and pain in Iraq, the Pope came with a message of peace At least 20 killed in series of explosions at Equatorial Guinea military base Police search for Tour de France spectator who caused big crash after holding out sign Belgium dump holders Portugal out of Euro 2020 – after Czech Republic stun Netherlands World champions France knocked out of Euro 2020 by Switzerland Brazil to send troops back to Amazon to fight deforestation Mexico’s methane leak rate ‘alarming and worrying’ for climate change, report warns Saudi crown prince once spoke of killing former monarch, ex-security chief claims French fishermen plan to block Channel Tunnel over post-Brexit fishing licence row At least 52 people – including six rescuers – killed after explosion in Siberian coal mine North Korea confirms test launch of biggest ballistic missile in years