Def Min Claims Ukraine Has 'Almost Exhausted' Its Military Equipment

Speaking at the Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu claimsthat Ukraine has 'almost exhausted' its supplies of military equipment despite support from the West. Shoigu's claim comes a day after the US State Dep't announced the use of an additional USD200mn under a previously-authorised Presidential Drawdown Authority to provide military equipment to Kyiv.

• There have been some rumblings of discontent among Ukraine's allies that the summer counteroffensive is not progressing as fast as expected. However, on 12 August, Newsweek reported comments from the Institute for the Study of War think tank suggesting that while progress may be slow Ukrainian forces are making "tactically significant" advances.
• On NATO's expansion: "NATO's military activity has significantly intensified after Finland's entry into the alliance and "the bloc's actual takeover of Sweden's military structures." Moscow will "adequately respond" to threats and attempts at provocation, including strengthening the security of [Russia]."