Norway’s Prime Minister and NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, has warned Europe about the long-term conflict Russia is preparing for with both Ukraine and NATO. In his speech at the Concert Noble in Brussels, Stoltenberg emphasized that the war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has caused over a million casualties. He noted that the weekly losses of both armies, with casualties mounting to over 10,000 soldiers, pose a significant threat to Europe’s security.
Stoltenberg highlighted that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to eradicate Ukraine and transform Europe’s security architecture, stating, “He is trying to destroy our freedom and way of life. His model of aggression is not new, but for too long we have stood inactive. From Georgia in 2008 to Crimea in 2014, many did not believe he would launch a full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022. How many more wake-up calls do we need?”
According to Ukrainian data, Russia’s invasion force has suffered over 758,000 casualties since the start of the large-scale attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported that around 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed, with over 370,000 injured.
Title: NATO Outlines Scope of Losses in Ongoing War: A UNIAN Report
Introduction
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has provided an overview of the significant losses incurred by Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. In a press briefing, a senior NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, detailed the extent of Russian casualties, hardware losses, and strategic setbacks. The briefing was reported by the Ukrainian news agency, UNIAN.
Russian Casualties
According to NATO’s assessment, Russia has suffered considerable human losses since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022. As of late March 2023, NATO estimates that Russia has lost approximately 150,000 personnel, including both killed and wounded. This number includes both active and reserve forces called up by President Vladimir Putin. The alliance has warned that this figure could rise further as the war in Ukraine continues.
Hardware Losses
NATO has also tracked significant losses of Russian military hardware in the conflict. As of late March, the alliance reports that Russia has lost:
- Tanks: Over 1,500, including T-72, T-80, and T-90 models.
- Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): More than 3,000, including infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and armored personnel carriers (APCs).
- Artillery pieces: Around 800, consisting of howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), and mortars.
- Aircraft: Over 200, including fixed-wing planes and helicopters.
Strategic Setbacks
Beyond these material losses, NATO highlighted several strategic setbacks for Russia, including:
- Failed objectives: Russia has been unable to achieve its initial aims, such as the rapid capture of Kyiv and the defeat of the Ukrainian military.
- Territorial gains under threat: Areas captured by Russian forces, such as Luhansk and parts of Donetsk, face ongoing Ukrainian counter-offensives.
- International isolation: Russia’s actions have led to widespread condemnation and severe economic sanctions from the international community, further isolating Moscow on the global stage.
NATO’s Role
The alliance has played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine, providing intelligence, training, and military aid, including advanced weaponry like HIMARS and M142 HIMARS-guided multiple rocket launchers. NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has reiterated the alliance’s commitment to helping Ukraine defend itself for as long as necessary.
Conclusion
The NATO official’s briefing to UNIAN provides a comprehensive overview of the significant losses Russia has sustained in its war against Ukraine. These figures underscore the heavy toll the conflict has taken on Russian forces and the resilience of Ukrainian resistance. Despite these setbacks, Russia’s ability to escalate or prolong the conflict remains a concern for the international community. NATO’s continued support for Ukraine will be vital in determining the outcome of this ongoing war.