Vladimir Putin's Russia has reached a grim milestone, losing over 500,000 soldiers in their ongoing war, claims Ukraine.
In addition to the staggering half a million battlefield deaths, the Russian army has suffered heavy losses, with over 22,000 tanks and armored vehicles destroyed and nearly 700 aircraft decimated, according to reports. The death toll among Putin's soldiers has seen a significant rise since their brutal Kharkiv offensive began earlier this month, with the assault drastically stalling.
Reports indicate that 1,100 troops are dying each day on the northeastern border, with the latest figures from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine citing 500,080 deaths. Many bodies are being discovered after fierce battles in the border towns of Vovchansk, Lyptsi, Pokrovsk, and Kupyansk.
A military source said, "Russian forces are bogged down in street fighting in Vovchansk and are being forced to redeploy their reserves from other operational directions to this area. Enemy troops continue their assault on wooded areas north of Kupyansk and are trying to breach Ukrainian defenses near Kyslivka."
Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky added that "the enemy has become completely bogged down in street battles and suffered very high losses in assault units."
President Volodymyr Zelensky's forces claim to have destroyed 7,650 Russian tanks and 14,786 armored combat vehicles since the invasion began in 2022. Additionally, 10,400 drones have been downed, with significant losses to Putin's air capabilities, including 326 helicopters and 350 planes. Outside the battlefield, Ukraine reports successfully targeting and sinking 27 ships and boats and one submarine.
These figures do not account for the "tens of thousands" of soldiers who have deserted Putin's armed forces. Last month, British intelligence reported 450,000 Russian soldiers killed, with the increase attributed to the Russian advance into Kharkiv that began on May 10.
Despite making their largest territorial gains in 18 months, the Russian death toll has risen sharply as Ukrainian defenses continue to strengthen. President Zelensky stated, "The Ukrainian defense forces have stopped Russian troops in the Kharkiv sector. The situation is under control, and counter-offensive actions are underway."
The World Health Organization reports that 14,000 people have been evacuated from Kharkiv amid daily Russian rocket bombardments. Ukraine's numbers differ from UK intelligence, particularly regarding drone losses, which exceed 10,000.
Since Russia launched its failed invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, intending to seize the country in days, more than two years of fighting have resulted in small gains and devastating losses for Putin. Putin is reportedly considering a ceasefire, but only if Kyiv surrenders all territory seized by Russia. Sources close to his inner circle claim he is ready for a ceasefire to freeze the war.
Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously admitted that Putin is open to dialogue with Ukraine and the West to achieve his goals, stating Russia isn't seeking an eternal war. However, the recent appointment of Andrei Belousov as Russia's defense minister suggests a shift toward a prolonged conflict.
Europe's largest ground conflict since World War Two has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides and led to sweeping Western sanctions on Russia's economy. Putin understands that further significant advances would require another nationwide mobilization, which he wants to avoid.
The prospect of a ceasefire or peace talks seems remote, as Zelensky has repeatedly stated that peace on Putin's terms is unacceptable. He has vowed to retake lost territory, including Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. In 2022, Zelensky signed a decree formally declaring any talks with Putin "impossible."
One source predicted that no agreement could occur while Zelensky is in power, unless Russia strikes a deal with Washington. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters he does not believe Putin is interested in serious negotiations.
Ukraine is preparing for talks hosted by Switzerland next month, aimed at unifying international opinion on how to end the war.
Despite discussions of peace, Putin continues to wreak havoc in Europe, targeting the Baltic nations. Reports indicate he aims to expand Russia's sea borders to use an island as a nuclear launch pad, a move that could push NATO allies to their limits and potentially trigger WW3.
Europe is on edge after Russia's defense ministry announced plans to change maritime borders with Finland and Lithuania, aiming to steal areas in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland and near the cities of Baltiysk and Zelenodradsk in the Kaliningrad region. Experts are particularly concerned about Putin's plans to seize Gotland, an island off the coast of Sweden, regarded as a crucial area in the Baltic Sea.
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