Russia’s Financial and Personnel Losses Grow as Ukraine War Continues, UK Intelligence Reports

The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to inflict heavy losses on Russian military personnel, with over 610,000 casualties reported by UK intelligence.

According to UK Ministry of Defence, which shared its assessment via their official X (Twitter). Russia has likely experienced more than 610,000 casualties, which includes both killed and wounded soldiers since the start of the invasion in Ukraine in February 2022. The report points to Russia’s heavy reliance on infantry tactics, requiring a constant influx of recruits to sustain operations at the front.

However, recruitment rates in 2024 have reportedly slowed down compared to 2023. While Russian officials claimed in late 2023 that they were recruiting about 1,600 personnel per day, current estimates suggest the rate has dropped to around 1,000 daily.

To address this decline, Russia introduced new financial incentives in August 2024. These include increased bonuses for new enlistments and higher payments to individuals who sign contracts for deployment to Ukraine. As a result, the financial burden on the Russian state continues to grow, with personnel payments estimated to account for around 8% of federal spending as of June 2024.

In addition to increasing financial incentives for new recruits, Russian leader Vladimir Putin urged regional governments to offer further support to volunteers. He recommended a minimum payment of $4.600 for those willing to join the war in Ukraine, more than doubling the previous payout of $2.130.

According to the latest figures from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia has sustained significant personnel and equipment losses in its ongoing war against Ukraine. As of September 17, 2024, the estimated total combat losses for Russian forces since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022, are as follows:

• Personnel: Approximately 635,880 soldiers killed or wounded

• Tanks: 8,685 units

• Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 17,077 units

• Artillery Systems: 18,129 units

• Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 1,188 units

• Anti-Aircraft Systems: 947 units

• Aircraft: 369 units

• Helicopters: 328 units

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): 15,329 units

• Cruise Missiles: 2,592 units

• Warships/Boats: 28 units

• Submarines: 1 unit

• Vehicles and Fuel Tanks: 24,739 units

• Special Equipment: 3,091 units