Russian forces have demonstrated their ability to sustain operations despite enduring significant casualties over the past two years of intense warfare with Ukraine.
As the battle rages on, a winter marked by relentless fighting and incremental Russian advancements has witnessed the momentum shifting back in favor of Moscow.
Ukrainian authorities find themselves grappling with the challenge of shoring up their military manpower while grappling with a sudden reduction in crucial military aid from Western nations, notably the US.
Russian offensives persist with the primary objective of consolidating control over the entire eastern Donbas region, comprising Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, undeterred by the high toll in lives and equipment.
A declassified US intelligence report disclosed by Reuters in December estimated a staggering 315,000 dead and injured among Russian troops since February 2022. In response, Kyiv claimed to have incapacitated approximately 435,000 Russian personnel.
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The toll on Ukrainian forces is equally sobering, with leaked US military assessments suggesting total casualties ranging between 124,500 to 131,000, including a significant number killed in action.
The Kremlin has resorted to bolstering its troop numbers through mobilisation efforts and the conscription of convicts. Vladimir Putin’s directive in August 2022 saw a 13 percent surge in active soldiers, with plans to expand the total to 1.15 million.
This was followed by the mobilisation of 300,000 reserves, resulting in Russia’s armed forces currently boasting around 1.1 million active personnel across various branches.
Despite these measures, the toll on Russia’s armored units has been significant, with Reuters citing a US official who reported the loss of approximately 2,200 tanks out of an initial fleet of 3,100.
Compounding Russia’s challenges are delays and setbacks in introducing advanced military platforms. The cancellation of the much-anticipated T-14 Armata tank earlier this year due to escalating costs underscores Moscow’s struggles to modernise its arsenal.
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