According to a recently declassified US intelligence report, the ongoing war in Ukraine
has inflicted severe casualties on Russian forces, with an estimated 315,000 soldiers
either killed or injured. This figure represents nearly 90% of the total Russian personnel
at the start of the conflict, news agency Reuters reports quoting a source familiar with
the intelligence report.

The report further suggests that the heavy toll on Russian personnel and armored
vehicles has significantly hindered Russia’s military modernization efforts, setting it back
by approximately 18 years.

Despite requests for comment, there has been no response from the Russian embassy or
the Russian defense ministry.

Despite the heavy losses, Russia has managed to sustain its war efforts by lowering
recruitment standards and utilizing Soviet-era equipment. However, the conflict has
significantly hindered Russia’s 15-year endeavor to modernize its ground force.
Russia has also increasingly relied on convicts recruited by the Wagner Group and raised
the age limit for certain citizens to remain in the reserve of the Russian Armed Forces.