Information
A new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that more than 1.2 million Russian soldiers have been killed, injured, or gone missing since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The report, based on information from military, intelligence, and government sources, suggests that around 325,000 Russian troops have been killed, while Ukrainian casualties range from 500,000 to 600,000, including up to 140,000 deaths. It warns that total losses on both sides could reach 2 million by April if current fighting continues. CSIS argues that Russia is suffering unprecedented losses for limited territorial gains, calling this level of casualties unmatched by any major power since World War II. While the Kremlin dismissed the findings as unreliable, the estimates closely match figures released by Ukraine’s military.
Despite these heavy losses, the report concludes that Russia is likely to continue its war of attrition. It highlights the slow pace of Russian advances, averaging only 15 to 70 meters per day during major offensives, making them among the slowest in modern warfare. This sluggish progress underscores the high cost of the conflict relative to its results. Nevertheless, Russian leadership appears unwilling to shift course, with President Vladimir Putin stating that about 700,000 Russian troops are currently deployed in Ukraine, a figure that has remained relatively stable over recent years.
Source: CSIS, dpa, AP
So What
Russia sees its large manpower as crucial to success, relying on sustained pressure to weaken Ukrainian defenses. However, its slow advances and heavy casualties could lead to a depletion of resources before a decisive breakthrough. Consequently, Moscow appears to be intensifying missile and drone strikes against Ukraine’s infrastructure and strategic targets to undermine civilian morale and force capitulation before its manpower advantage is exhausted.
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