British Defense Secretary John Healy said the number of Russian war casualties on the battlefields of Ukraine reached a new peak in October.
He said this in an interview with the Telegraph obtained by Ukrinform.
“According to the latest statistics from the British Defense Intelligence Agency, average daily casualties (casualties) of Russians in Ukraine reached new highs during October, with an average daily loss rate of 1,354 people. “I did,” Healy said.
This is the second consecutive month that the Russian military has suffered high daily casualties. It is notable that October 2024 was the month with the highest number of Russian military casualties at 41,980 since the start of the full-scale invasion.
The previous highest number was recorded in May 2024, at 39,110, according to Britain’s Defense Intelligence Agency. Overall, the UK estimates that Russia has likely suffered more than 696,000 casualties since February 24, 2024.
Currently, Russia spends 40% of its budget on national defense, which is unsustainable for the country. Many analysts believe it will be difficult for President Putin to maintain this level of spending beyond 2025.
Also read: Russia faces shortage of armored vehicles – military
Asked whether Ukraine and the West would win a war of attrition against Russia, Mr. Healy answered in the affirmative. “Western countries can and must do it,” he said.
Mr Healy also said he believed the UK would not change its strategic calculations despite Donald Trump’s possible re-election as US president, but noted that the US focus was likely to change. did.
“We also recognize that whether Harris or Trump is elected, the United States is changing its strategic priorities and focus and will move more towards the Indo-Pacific. “This is a reality that NATO countries must recognize,” he said.
Healy said Ukraine must be given “freedom to decide how to balance combat and dialogue.” He also rejected the idea that Russia’s current successes on the battlefield mean it cannot be stopped.
Also read: Operation Kursk: Russia loses 20 military vehicles in October due to minefields in Ukraine
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia’s total combat losses in Ukraine from February 24, 2022 to November 9, 2024 amounted to 1,660 casualties in one day, Ukrinform reported. Approximately 707,540 people, including
