Russian army weaker today than it was 11 months ago - Kirby

National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said this at a briefing in Washington, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"There's no question that Russia's military is weaker today than it was 11 months ago," he said.

He recalled that the Russians had lost a huge number of military personnel and resources, including thousands of missiles, rockets and drones that they have launched into Ukrainian territory.

However, according to Kirby, "the Russian military and their thugs are still pretty lethal, because Ukrainians continue to die every day."

"That's why we're so focused on making sure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself and to have the capabilities to fight back and to succeed on the battlefield," Kirby said.

He also noted that the United States maintains a large military presence in Europe in order to protect the European security model if Russia decides to go further.

"Make no mistake, the security environment in Europe has changed. Not 'is changing,' not 'will change.' It has changed because of what Mr. Putin did. And the United States anted up for that and made clear to our NATO Allies, particular on the eastern flank, how seriously we take our responsibilities to those Article 5 commitments. And Mr. Putin needs to understand that," Kirby concluded.