Russian losses in Ukraine reached “conflict highs” during May and June, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) stated in an intelligence report posted on 12 July.
The MOD said that the average daily Russian casualties – both killed and wounded – reached 1,262 and 1,163 in the two months, respectively.
“In total, Russia likely lost in excess of 70,000 personnel over the past two months,” the statement read.
The MOD said the losses were due in large part to Russia’s failed attempt to advance into Ukraine’s Kharkiv Oblast, which opened a new front in the war in early May.
“Although this new approach has increased the pressure on the front line, an effective Ukrainian defence and a lack of Russian training reduces Russia’s ability to exploit any tactical success, despite attempting to stretch the front line further,” the MOD said.
“Russia’s casualty rate will likely continue to average above 1,000 a day over the next two months as Russia continues to try to overmatch Ukrainian positions with mass.”
As of 12 July, Russia has lost 556,650 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported.
Leaked documents from the US Department of Defense suggest that Russian battlefield casualties in Ukraine since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 are between 462,000 and 728,000.
