Russia‘s Staggering Losses in War: Over 700,000 Troops, a Third of Initial Invasive Forces
In a stark assessment of Russia’s military prowess and resolve, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed that Moscow has suffered over 700,000 casualties since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. This grim toll, totaling approximately two-thirds of Russia’s initial full-scale invasion force, far exceeds the number of Soviet military deaths during World War II.
Austin’s remarks, delivered during the concluding press conference of the ‘Ramstein’ meeting co-hosted by Germany and Ukraine, underscored the devastating impact of the war on Russian troops. The conference, a testament to the united front presented by the global coalition supporting Ukraine, witnessed leaders exchanging views on the geopolitical landscape, reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic values.
The latest figures on Russian losses corroborate previous reports suggesting record casualty numbers in November 2022, with Kremlin forces reportedly suffering 15,000 troop casualties daily. Desperate to replenish its depleted ranks, Moscow has sought to recruit prisoners and enlist soldiers from North Korea, highlighting the growing isolation and dire straits of the Putin regime.
"Purit’s desperation is clear," Austin said, referring to President Vladimir Putin’s resorting to such measures. North Korean soldiers, unused to fighting in Russia’s war, have suffered heavy losses, with estimates surpassing 1,000 fatalities, although these figures are believed to be much higher.
Austin’s final remarks on the ‘Ramstein’ gathering pointed to the conference’s significance as a global demonstration of solidarity and support for Ukraine. The meeting, he asserted, had cemented the West’s role as an "arsenal of Ukrainian democracy and a catalyst for global security," with the Contact Group emerging as the most coherent and steadfast global coalition in over three decades.
As the war in Ukraine braces for yet another pivotal chapter, the gloomy prospect of continued Russian losses underscores a fierce and protracted conflict that is reshaping the geopolitical landscape and challenging Putin’s faltering authority.
Originally reported by 24tv.ua, with reference to a press conference broadcast.
