Russia has lost up to 200,000 troops since the start of the offensive war in Ukraine. However, much of this is due to causes other than actual combat operations, the British Ministry of Defense said on Sunday. The alcohol is to blame.
“Russian commanders likely consider widespread alcohol abuse to be particularly detrimental to the effectiveness of combat operations,” it said, citing intelligence findings. Earlier this week, a Russian Telegram news channel reported that there was an “extremely high” number of alcohol-related incidents, crimes and deaths among the armed forces.
Heavy drinking was widespread in Russian society and tacitly accepted as part of military life, including on combat missions. Other causes of non-combat casualties include poor weapons training, traffic accidents, and climatic injuries such as hypothermia.
Daily intelligence updates
Since the start of Russia’s offensive war against Ukraine, the British Ministry of Defense has been publishing daily updates on the course of the war. Citing intelligence information, the British government wants to both contradict the Russian narrative and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a targeted disinformation campaign.
Explosions in the strategically important city of Melitopol
The fighting in Ukraine continued unabated on Sunday: there were several explosions in the strategically important city of Melitopol. “Explosive Sunday for the occupiers in Melitopol. Explosions were heard in the city,” Melitopol’s elected mayor Ivan Fedorov told Telegram. According to media reports, these were Ukrainian rocket attacks on a railway yard.
According to military experts, the important transport hub in the Zaporizhia region could be targeted by the expected Ukrainian counter-offensive. Taking the city would cut off road and rail links between Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine and the Crimean peninsula, which was illegally annexed in 2014. This would make supplying Russian troops stationed west of Melitopol much more difficult and would only be possible by sea or via the heavily exposed Kerch Bridge.
Ukrainian successes near Donetsk
There are also successes for the Ukrainians in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk: according to army reports, Russian troops will partially withdraw. The Russians are preparing for defensive operations as a stronger Ukrainian offensive is expected, an army spokesman said, according to news agency Ukrinform. In the Zaporizhia region, the invaders conducted fortification work, tactical exercises and reconnaissance operations. Without giving details, the army also reported that Ukrainian paratroopers “knocked out” a Russian unit in one of the front sectors.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
