Russian War Losses Now Exceed Recruitment, Western Officials Say
A Ukrainian serviceman shoots during a training at an undisclosed location in Zaporizhzhia region on Jan. 30.
Photographer: Tetiana Dzhafarova/AFP/Getty ImagesRussia sustained around 9,000 more battlefield losses in Ukraine than it was able to replace last month, according to assessments from Western officials, signaling progress for Ukraine’s ambition to inflict heavier damage on the front line.
Russian forces were unable to achieve significant gains on the ground in January even as they sustained heavy losses, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The assessment, which couldn’t be independently verified, could bolster Kyiv’s aim to drive up the cost for Moscow.