Us Intelligence Believes 'Slaughter-Fest' Fighting In Ukraine Has Cost Russia 100,000 Dead | News18

Based on the provided text, it discusses the casualties and military operations in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. General Mark Milley estimates that Ukrainian casualties are likely around 100,000. Meanwhile, the National Security spokesperson John Kirby highlights the high cost of Russia's efforts, particularly in the city of Bakmud. Russia has suffered significant losses, depleting its military resources and armed forces. Since December, it is estimated that Russia has experienced over 100,000 casualties, including more than 20,000 soldiers killed in action, with nearly half being Wagner soldiers, many of whom are Russian convicts with inadequate combat training or leadership.

Glenn Carl, a former US intelligence officer and American author, suggests that experts from the UK, NATO, and the United States agree that Russia's offensive has caused many casualties but has failed to capture any territory and is now almost halted despite ongoing intense fighting. The fact that there have been 100,000 casualties in a single battle area in the Bakmud region is staggering. However, it's important to note that Russia has a population of 143 million people, and about half of the casualties primarily come from the Wagner Private Army and non-Russian parts of Siberia and the surrounding areas, which has isolated the Russian population around Moscow and St. Petersburg from the conflict. Russia appears to have the capacity to endure for a long time, especially after the Russian forces withdrew from Kiev and were pushed out of South Kershaw and East Kharkiv. Bakmud has become the primary military focus for Russia. The question arises whether the battle for Bakmud is now more symbolic than strategic, especially if Ukraine remains strong in other areas of defense.