Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on June 14 that approximately 700,000 Russian soldiers are currently participating in the offensive in Ukraine.
700,000 Russian Troops in Ukraine
According to Ziare it was during a televised meeting with decorated soldiers, that Putin stated, "We have nearly 700,000 men in the area of the special military operation," using the official term Moscow employs for its unprovoked aggression launched in February 2022 against Ukraine.
This marks an increase from the 617,000 troops Putin mentioned in December.
Casualty Figures Disputed
While Russia has not officially disclosed its human losses on the Ukrainian front, the most recent official figure from September 2022 reported 5,937 Russian soldiers killed in action.
However, independent analysts and Western intelligence services estimate the Russian death toll to be at least several tens of thousands.
On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky estimated his country’s military losses at 31,000 dead.
Escalating Conflict and International Concerns
The significant number of Russian troops involved highlights the intensity and scale of the conflict.
The ongoing war has led to severe humanitarian crises and widespread destruction in Ukraine. As the fighting continues, international calls for a peaceful resolution grow louder, but a diplomatic solution remains elusive.
