Russian losses soar to over 500K as 1,200 of Putin's troops slaughtered in a single day

As Russia advances near Kharkiv, there are signs that the tide could be turning as Ukraine ramps up attacks on Russian territory.

Putin's forces have now lost over 500,00 men, according to Ukraine

Putin's forces have now lost over 500,00 men, according to Ukrainian officials. (Image: Getty)

Russia lost 1,200 soldiers in a single day of fighting, taking Moscow's total losses in the war to well over 500,000, according to Ukraine's military.

Posting on social media, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine gave updated figures on the losses Kyiv believes Russia has sustained.

The account said that Russia's total losses now stand at 511,130 after 1270 Russian soldiers were killed on June 2.

In addition to the personnel losses, Ukraine says Russia has lost 9,779 tanks after 14 were destroyed on Sunday.

Kyiv also says that over 13,000 artillery systems have been taken out after 47 were destroyed on the last day of fighting.

READ MORE: Vladimir Putin reeling as Ukraine unleashes new weapon on Russia

Ukrainian soldiers.

Ukrainian soldiers are stretched on the frontline amid brutal fighting. (Image: Getty)

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine added: "Beat the occupier! Together we will win! Our power is in the truth!"

Fighting near Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has been intense in recent weeks as Vladimir Putin looks to press home Russia's advantage before more Western aid makes its way to Ukrainian soldiers.

However, the tide could turn in the war after Western allies gave Ukraine the green light to strike Russian territory with their weapons.

On Sunday, Russian sources claimed that Ukraine used US weapons to strike Russian territory for the first time.

They claimed that Ukraine hit Belgorod, a city near the border with Ukraine, with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

HIMARS firing.

Ukraine is using HIMARS to strike Russian territory. (Image: Getty)

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, said Friday that “Ukraine and its NATO allies will receive such a devastating response that the alliance won’t be able to avoid entering the conflict” because of the new policy from NATO members.

Germany has also allowed Ukraine to use its weapons against Russian territory.

The German government statement noted that, in recent weeks, Russia has prepared, coordinated and carried out attacks on the Kharkiv region, in particular from areas just over the border in Russia.

In a statement, they said: “Together we are convinced that Ukraine has the right under international law to defend itself against these attacks.

"For this, it can also use the weapons delivered for that purpose in accordance with its international legal commitments, including the ones delivered by us."

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?