Russian military operations in Ukraine are intensifying as winter sets in at the end of the year. In the meantime, Russian forces have captured about 2,350 square kilometers (907 sq mi) of territory in eastern Ukraine and Russia's western Kursk region. But Russia had to pay a very high price for this success.
Quoting the British Ministry of Defense, the BBC reported in a report that about 45,680 Russian soldiers were killed last November. That is, an average of 1,523 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded every day. That is the highest in a month since the start of full-scale war in February 2022.
Experts say, 'Although the Russian forces are advancing, it is being achieved at the cost of heavy losses.'
According to the UK's Defense Intelligence Agency and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington, Russia lost around 125,800 troops in the autumn offensive. According to ISWA, Russia is losing more than 50 soldiers per square kilometer of territory in Ukraine.
On the other hand, no official information has been released about the casualties of the Ukrainian army. However, a Ukrainian journalist, Yuriy Butusov, claimed that since February 2022, about 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and about 35,000 Ukrainian soldiers are still missing.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that 38,000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the Kursk region. However, this information could not be verified.
The use of drones and glide bombs in warfare has increased significantly. Russia's use of glide bombs has increased tenfold in the past year. In addition, the increasing use of drones is changing the course of warfare time and again.
One Ukrainian soldier said, 'Infantry is now practically irrelevant because of drone warfare.'
While Russia has been able to close its troop deficit, Putin's reluctance to deploy new troops points to his domestic problems. In Russia, hospitals are becoming overcrowded, along with problems with salary increases and compensation payments.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has shown reluctance to conscription of under 25-year-olds. which limited their military capabilities.
Analysts say neither side is likely to win a quick victory in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Rather, it is feared that the war will intensify. In addition to the loss of countless lives, the conflict will create a permanent rift between Ukraine and Russia.
