Russia's offensive in Ukraine comes at high cost — UK intel
Russian troops' losses are 25 times higher than those of Ukrainian defenders (photo: Getty Images)
On certain front-line directions, Russian troops are suffering losses up to 25 times higher than those of Ukrainian defenders, largely due to the mass use of drones that is shifting the battlefield in Ukraine's favor, according to UK Defense Secretary John Healey.
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Battlefield loss ratio
The British minister says that the effectiveness of Ukraine's defense has significantly increased in several directions. Healey emphasized that Ukraine's efforts are producing visible results despite constant enemy pressure.
"Casualty rates have also grown from around six to as many as 25 Russian losses for each Ukrainian casualty on some parts of the front line," he said.
Western officials link this dynamic to the saturation of the front with Ukrainian drones, which enable precise strikes against enemy manpower and equipment while minimizing risks to Ukrainian troops.
Russian army's condition
UK minister Healey noted that although Russia is intensively recruiting new soldiers, this has not led to a significant increase in troop numbers directly in the combat zone.
The size of Russia's deployed force has remained steady at around 712,000 personnel.
"This is an important reminder for us all that Ukraine is under huge pressure from Russia,... but they are retaking some territory and some towns," he added.
War of attrition for Russia
Earlier, NATO officials said Russian military losses since the start of the full-scale invasion have exceeded 1.3 million killed and wounded—a figure even higher than estimates from Ukraine's General Staff.
According to the Financial Times, the Kremlin is also facing growing difficulties recruiting new contract soldiers. Despite soaring financial incentives, mobilization rates are slowing, threatening Russian President Vladimir Putin's plans for further offensives.
In addition, due to a shortage of domestic resources, Russia is increasingly recruiting foreign fighters for the war against Ukraine, including mercenaries from Africa and Asia who are often used in the most intense assaults as "cannon fodder."
