In May, Russia lost over 1,000 soldiers daily on frontline - NYT
Photo: Russian military (Getty Images)
In May, more than a thousand Russian soldiers were wounded or killed every day at the front in Ukraine. However, despite the heavy losses, Russia sends new soldiers to the war every month, according to The New York Times.
According to American, British, and other Western intelligence services, an average of more than a thousand Russian soldiers are wounded or killed at the front every day.
However, despite the losses, Russia recruits 25,000 to 30,000 new soldiers every month, about the same number as it loses. This allowed the Russian army to continue sending waves of troops to break through the Ukrainian defense line.
"At times, this approach has proved effective, bringing the Russian army victories in Avdiivka and Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. But Ukrainian and Western officials say the tactics were less successful this spring, as Russia tried to take land near the city of Kharkiv," The New York Times reports.
US officials say that Russia has achieved a critical goal of Vladimir Putin's by creating a buffer zone along the border to make it harder for Ukrainian forces to strike inside the country.
The recruits that Russia sends to the front to replenish losses are poorly trained, limiting Moscow's ability to form more capable units. This also increases losses.
According to the agency, American estimates of casualties in the war are based on satellite imagery, intercepts, social media, and media reports, as well as official reports from Russia and Ukraine.
Western intelligence believes that Russia will not have to conduct another mobilization this year, as it will be able to replenish its losses with convicted Russians and mercenaries from Africa.
Russia's losses in the war
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia's losses in the war in Ukraine amounted to 1260 soldiers on June 26.
In total, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has lost about 539,320 soldiers. In addition, the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed five air defense systems, more than 40 artillery systems and other enemy equipment over the day.
