Heavy Losses Make Russia Unlikely to Launch Major New Offensive - Bloomberg
The Moscow Times • • world
Key Points:
- Russia's heavy battlefield losses in Ukraine have exceeded its monthly recruitment of 30,000 to 35,000 new contract soldiers for three consecutive months, likely preventing a major new offensive in the near term.
- Western officials warn that Russia may resort to mobilizing recruits from major cities, potentially fracturing political support in these densely populated areas.
- Confirmed Russian military deaths have surpassed 200,000, with significant ethnic and geographic disparities; Moscow has the lowest death rate while poorer regions suffer much higher losses.
- Moscow has increasingly relied on foreign nationals from countries like North Korea, India, and Cuba to replenish its forces, though some foreign governments have protested misleading recruitment practices.
- Despite recruitment challenges and operational setbacks, Russia remains
