Russia clearly did not expect the “military operation” in Ukraine to drag on for so long – and therefore had to be creative in recruiting soldiers. This also has an effect on the type of victims: while younger contract soldiers died in the first months, it is now often ex-detainees and reservists who lose their lives on the battlefield. One expert called these Moscow’s “throwaway troops”.
An assessment of casualties to date by BBC Russia and the independent Russian media portal Mediazona shows that Russia is now hiding its regular units far behind the front lines than at the start of the war. Because the soldiers now dying in Ukraine are older, many were recruited from prison or off duty when the conflict began.
Only documented deaths are included in the statistics
Last year, 21-year-old contract soldiers died in the first three months of the war – now the typical fallen Russian soldier is, according to the report, “a 34-year-old former prisoner of unknown rank”. The two journalists participated in the evaluation. The media only includes fighters whose deaths are clearly documented in the database. This information is collected, for example, through messages from relatives on social networks.
Large differences in information about fallen soldiers
According to research, at least 25,528 Russian soldiers have been killed so far. However, the real number would be many times higher – the Ukrainian military leadership speaks of more than 200,000 dead Russians. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow, on the other hand, admits only the loss of 5,937 fighters.
Experts Say Wagner’s Ex-Prisoners Are Just “Disposable Troops”
Jack Watling, an expert at Britain’s Royal United Services Institute, told the BBC that the Russian soldiers recruited from prison and employed by the Wagner group were “disposable troops” used to wear down Ukrainian units or to positions of the Ukrainian army. for Russian artillery attacks. “They are sent into battle with the expectation that they will die,” says Watling. The regular units would only be used “when conditions are right”.
Superior to Russia in the airspace over southern Ukraine
British intelligence officials said in a recent report that Russia had gained an advantage in the airspace over southern Ukraine. Above all, Moscow is superior thanks to attack helicopters that can use long-range missiles against targets on the ground. Photos show that 20 additional helicopters are stationed at Berdyansk Airport. The airport is about 100 kilometers behind the front.
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.
