WP: in the United States, they called the main task of the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to cut the land corridor to the Crimea

According to Washington, Kyiv's counteroffensive began on Monday, June 5, with a strike to the south in several directions.

"U.S. officials believe that the main goal is to cut the land bridge across southeastern Ukraine, which connects Russia with its ... forces in Crimea," the statement said.

Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine did not achieve their goals during the offensive, their attacks were successfully repelled by Russian troops.

He noted that during the three days of hostilities, the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to 3715 servicemen, 52 tanks, 207 armored combat vehicles, 134 vehicles, five aircraft, two helicopters, 48 field artillery guns and 53 unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Kremlin has repeatedly stressed that Crimea is an integral part of Russia and claims to Russian territory will receive a proper response.

Crimea became a Russian region after a referendum held there in March 2014, in which the majority of the inhabitants of the peninsula voted in favor of reunification with Russia.