Russian Military Suffers Largest Losses Since World War II in Ukraine War: Up to 250,000 Soldiers Killed

The war in Ukraine has taken a devastating toll on Russia’s armed forces, with up to 250,000 soldiers now believed to have lost their lives, according to the Ministry of Defence. This marks the largest loss of life for Russia’s military since World War II.

In an intelligence update, the MOD reported that Moscow’s forces have suffered approximately 900,000 casualties, including both those killed and wounded. The use of the term “likely” indicates a probability of between 55% and 75% for these figures.

The report also highlighted that Russian President Putin and the military leadership prioritize their conflict objectives over the lives of their soldiers. It was stated that they are prepared to tolerate high casualty rates as long as public and elite support for the war remains unaffected.

Furthermore, the MOD noted that recruitment efforts in Russia have disproportionately targeted ethnic minorities, with Slavic Russians from urban centers contributing fewer service personnel compared to their ethnic minority counterparts.

The news comes as President Putin declined a US-proposed ceasefire, while Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire. Despite agreeing to stop attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Russia did not commit to a complete ceasefire like Ukraine.

Former UK defense secretary Ben Wallace commented on the situation, stating that “Putin plays much better chess than Trump” and expressing hope that the UK will not become involved in a “rotten Trump deal.”

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides facing significant losses and challenges. The impact of the war on the region and its people is profound, with no clear end in sight.