Russian Military Suffers 99,000 Casualties Since the Beginning of Chasiv Yar Campaign, Reports Forbes

Reports indicate that the Russian military has suffered 99,000 casualties since the beginning of the Chasiv Yar campaign. While not all losses occurred in and around Chasiv Yar, a significant number did, according to Forbes.

Spokesperson for Operational-strategic grouping of troops “Khortytsia” Nazar Voloshyn confirmed during the broadcast on the national television on July 4, that the Ukrainian Defense Forces have withdrawn from the Canal microdistrict in the town of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region.

"The command made a decision to withdraw to more fortified and prepared positions," Voloshyn stated.

Mick Ryan, a retired Australian army general, commented: “Russia has made some progress on the ground and yet even this has come at massive costs. In expending so many lives for so little gain, Russia appears to have blown what might have been its last chance to strike a decisive blow against Ukraine in this war.”

With each town—or even neighborhood—the Russians seize, they lay to rest tens of thousands of their own soldiers, reports Forbes.

The rapid rate of casualties has compelled Moscow to hastily deploy fresh troops to the frontlines without sufficient leadership, training, or equipment. “Russia is less able to build a better quality, large force that might be able to undertake larger-scale offensive operations,” Ryan said.

Russia has been heavily shelling Chasiv Yar, including using TOS-1 Solntsepyok multiple rocket launchers, as reported by Voloshyn. In an interview with BBC Ukraine in April, Serhii Chaus, the head of the town's military administration, described dire circumstances where residents lacked access to electricity, water, and gas, enduring constant shelling that severely damaged 80% of apartment buildings.