October marked a devastating month for Russian forces in Ukraine, with the highest casualties recorded since the start of the conflict.
700,000 Killed or Wounded
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK’s Chief of the Defense Staff was speaking with the BBC, when he estimated that Russian troops have sustained around 1,500 casualties daily throughout October.
This pushes the overall Russian toll close to 700,000 killed or wounded since the invasion began in February 2022, according to Ziare.
"The Russian people are paying an extraordinary price for Putin's ambitions," said Radakin.
These heavy losses have come with minimal territorial gains, underscoring the human and financial toll on Russia as Putin diverts over 40% of public spending to defense and security—an "enormous loss" for the nation, Radakin noted.
Remain Committed
Russia has refrained from publicly sharing its casualty figures, yet Western defense officials have confirmed that October was Russia’s most challenging month on the battlefield.
Despite minor tactical gains, Radakin emphasized that Russia’s progress has not been sufficient to change the strategic situation, while Ukraine’s allies remain committed to supporting Kyiv "for as long as it takes."
This commitment from the West contrasts with statements from allies of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who have suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may eventually need to cede territory to end the war.
Trump has consistently advocated for ending the conflict, arguing that U.S. resources are overstretched in military and financial support for Ukraine. However, he has not disclosed specific plans on how he intends to achieve peace.
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump on his electoral win, noting that Trump’s approach to the conflict "deserves attention."
Meanwhile, Trump’s Democratic opponents argue that his stance on Russia and Ukraine risks undermining European security.
Ukrainian President Zelensky recently presented a “victory plan” to Ukraine’s parliament, which reaffirmed Ukraine’s refusal to cede territory or sovereignty.
The Kremlin, however, dismissed the plan, with a spokesperson advising Kyiv to “wake up.”
