Russia Could Have Nearly 800,000 Dead and Wounded in Ukraine War by End of 2024
The Russian military’s relentless offensive in Ukraine continues to produce staggering casualties. Daily losses for Russian forces are estimated at around 1,500, with about 10,270 troops lost in the past week and nearly 800,000 projected by year’s end.
What You Need to Know: The Russian military’s relentless offensive in Ukraine continues to produce staggering casualties. Daily losses for Russian forces are estimated at around 1,500, with about 10,270 troops lost in the past week and nearly 800,000 projected by year’s end.
-Despite these heavy casualties, the Kremlin sustains its assault, capturing towns and targeting logistical hubs.
-Moscow has also sought manpower from unconventional sources, including North Korean troops and recruits from African countries, with promises of pay and adventure.
-Meanwhile, Ukraine defends fiercely amid shortages and uncertainty over U.S. support due to potential administrative changes, but faces ongoing territorial concessions.
Russia’s Heavy Losses in Ukraine: 1,500 Casualties Per Day
The fighting in Ukraine continues with little respite. The Russian military is sticking to its strategy of pushing ahead with its multiple offensives across the contact line before the weather worsens and turns the battlefield into a large quagmire.
Relying human-wave attacks, the Russian forces have made tactical progress in several parts of the Donbas, capturing Chasiv Yar, Vuhledar, and Avdiivka, while they are also threatening the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk.
On the other hand, the Ukrainian forces are putting up a stalwart defense but are forced to concede small pieces of territory. Kyiv is doubly concerned because of the uncertainty that the change of administration in the United States could bring to its vital security assistance.
Kyiv is facing serious issues with recruitment and munition shortages. However, despite the challenges, the Ukrainian forces are putting up a fierce fight.
And in the background of all of this hovers the huge specter of casualties. The Russian forces are now starting to enter into World War One territory as their daily casualties reach 1,500 losses every single day.
Russian Casualties in Ukraine War
Meanwhile, on the backdrop of the intense fighting, the Russian forces continue to take extremely heavy casualties. In the past 24 hours alone, the Russian military, paramilitary units, and pro-Russian separatist forces lost approximately 1,800 men killed or wounded.
Moreover, they lost around 119 tactical vehicles and fuel trucks, 57 unmanned aerial systems, 40 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, 34 artillery pieces and multiple launch rocket systems, 16 pieces of special equipment, and 4 main battle tanks.
But these heavy losses aren’t exclusive to the past 24 hours. Indeed, over the past seven days, the Russian forces lost approximately 10,270 men, or almost 1,500 troops every single day.
Overall, Russian forces have lost around 710,000 men in the fighting. In previous assessments here at The National Interest, we had estimated that the Russian forces would reach 750,000 losses before the end of the year. But if the current rate of losses continues, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t since it is producing some results for the Kremlin, the Russian forces risk ending 2024 with almost 800,000 casualties.
What Happens Now in Ukraine?
For the time being, the Kremlin seems to have the troops and resources to sustain such a high level of attrition. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his advisers have come up with creative solutions in the past to find more troops for their meatgrinder.
At one point, Moscow relied heavily on convicted criminals who fought in Ukraine on six-month contracts with the promise of freedom if they survived. More recently, Moscow turned to its North Korean ally for assistance, and now thousands of North Korean troops are involved in the fighting.
Moscow has also been recruiting from Africa. Ukrainian and Western intelligence officials have reported intensified attempts by Moscow to recruit troops for the war from several African countries. The promise of pay, and even adventure, is enough for many African men to join the ranks of the Russian forces.
About the Author
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image Credit: Creative Commons.
