Since the previous meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, six weeks ago, Russia lost almost 36,000 its soldiers, Defense Minister of Ukraine Rustem Umerov has said at the opening of the 17th meeting in the Ramstein format.

"Russia definitely does not plan to stop on its own. The only language that Moscow can understand is force. And we have learned this language well," the press service of the Defense Ministry quoted Umerov as saying.

The minister said that, according to the report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, since the previous meeting in the Ramstein format alone, Russia lost almost 36,000 soldiers.

He emphasized that the weapons provided by partners, in particular HIMARS systems, Storm Shadow missiles, SCALP, ATACMS, Abrams, Challenger, Leopard tanks, changed the situation at the front. Further development of coalitions of capabilities, particularly those related to artillery, armored vehicles, aviation, naval forces, IT and mine clearance, "will help Ukraine, together with its partners, protect millions of innocent lives."

"Our people are waiting for an opportunity to return home, to rebuild their homes, to reunite with their families," Umerov said.

The 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group was attended by defense ministers from more than 50 countries.