Russia counts the cost

Putin invasion kills 21,800 of his fighters. Two more kids die in Donetsk shelling

- TOM PARRY

UKRAINIANS' vigorous defence of their country against invasion has resulted in the deaths of 21,800 Russian fighters, it was claimed last night.

As Russia's military losses were revealed in figures from the Ukrainian Land Forces, it also emerged that more children had been killed by Russia's indiscriminate shelling.

Two girls, five and 14, died when a residential building in Ocheretyne, in the Donetsk region, was hit.

Their deaths mean 213 children have lost their lives in the conflict, including a three-month-old baby who died with her mother and grandmother when their home was hit in a rocket attack in Odesa.

A further 389 children have been seriously injured since the invasion began on February 24.

Military incompetence and poor preparation are thought to be hampering Russia. Troop losses have been put down to poor tactical decisions by top brass, who underestimated Ukraine's forces.

Commanders are targeting civilians in retribution for their resistance.

Latest stats also show 873 Russian tanks destroyed plus 2,238 armoured vehicles, 179 planes, 154 helicopters, and 408 artillery systems.

But Russia's biggest humiliation was when its Black Sea fleet flagship sank after missile hits.

On February 24, Russia's land army consisted of 280,000 full-time active soldiers. Ukraine had 125,600.