Russia has endured over 700,000 casualties since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022—greater than in all of Moscow’s conflicts since World Battle II mixed, U.S. Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Jan. 9.
The toll, which surpasses two-thirds of the Russian army's pre-war energy, displays the extreme price of what Vladimir Putin calls "particular army operation," Austin stated at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
In November 2024 alone, Russia misplaced practically 1,500 troops day by day, a tempo that has stretched its army assets to the breaking level. "Volunteers can’t make up for these beautiful losses," Austin added. "The Kremlin has been decreased to scouring Russia’s jails and coercing contract troopers."
In a determined bid to maintain its offensive, "Moscow has even rushed troops from North Korea right into a struggle that they don’t belong in," Austin famous, calling it a transparent signal of Putin’s rising desperation.
Since becoming a member of the struggle in December, over 1,000 North Korean troopers have reportedly died, in response to Austin. President Volodymyr Zelensky positioned the determine at 4,000 North Korean troops which included each wounded and killed.
U.S. protection secretary additionally highlighted the financial affect of the struggle which has been equally devastating for strange Russians. With the Kremlin allocating 40 % of its 2025 price range to maintain the struggle effort—a 25 % improve from the earlier 12 months—the ruble has continued its downward spiral, in response to Austin.
The Kremlin’s rising reliance on authoritarian allies like North Korea has additional remoted Moscow on the world stage. "Russia’s world stature and strategic place have continued to decay."
Regardless of the heavy price, Putin has little to indicate for his efforts. "Russia has paid an appalling value for this indefensible struggle," Austin concluded. "But Putin has not achieved a single one in every of his strategic aims. Not one."
The Kyiv IndependentSonya Bandouil