Over 40,000 Russian troops killed or wounded in July - Ukraine's deputy intel chief
Photo: Russia lost at least 40,000 troops on the battlefield in July (Getty Images)
Russian army losses on the battlefield already exceed the number of contract soldiers recruited each month. In July, Russian forces lost at least 40,000 troops killed and wounded, Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate, said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
How many troops did Russia lose during the two summer months?
According to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Russian military losses now exceed the number of contract soldiers recruited each month. In June, Russian forces suffered approximately 39,000 total casualties, about 60% of them killed or missing.
The situation worsened further for Russian forces in July. They lost at least 40,000 troops killed and wounded.
“Meanwhile, 36,000 people signed contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry in June, and about 39,000 did so in July,” Skibitskyi said.
How large is Russia's military grouping in Ukraine?
RBC-Ukraine journalists also asked the intelligence official how many Russian troops are currently fighting against Ukraine. Skibitskyi provided specific figures.
“That is 670,000 troops in the combat component and 65,000 personnel in the operational reserve. This number has remained almost unchanged,” the major general said.
Thus, despite significant battlefield losses, the overall size of Russia's military grouping on the front remains largely stable.
What else did Ukraine's Defense Intelligence say about the Kremlin's plans?
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence warns that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin could order an invasion of NATO territory within the next few years.
According to the intelligence service, Russia is preparing in its plans for a war with NATO countries by 2030, and NATO itself is taking this threat into account.
Ukraine's intelligence service also does not rule out a new wave of mobilization in Russia following the State Duma elections.
A covert mobilization is currently impossible under existing conditions, but Moscow is already prepared to launch one under Putin's 2022 decree.
