The war ignited by Russia's invasion of Ukraine is proving to be a significant military disaster for the Kremlin, according to a British diplomat.
A Bleak Picture
Nicholas Aucott, the chief military adviser to the UK's delegation at the OSCE, described Russia's substantial military losses as “a bleak picture” during a recent security forum in Vienna.
He pointed out that incursions by Ukrainian forces into the Russian region of Kursk, along with the damage or destruction of a quarter of Russia's Black Sea fleet, illustrate the scale of Russia's military failure, according to Hotnews.
As of now, estimates from Western intelligence sources suggest that Russia has suffered approximately 200,000 military fatalities, with around 400,000 injured. These figures are consistent with Ukrainian estimates, which indicate that more than 637,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the conflict began.
Accuses of Brutal Tactics
Aucott emphasized the contrast between Ukraine’s effective maneuver warfare and Russia’s brutal tactics, often referred to as a “meat grinder.”
He also highlighted Ukraine's right to self-defense against what he termed Russia's illegal and barbaric invasion, pointing out that Ukrainian military actions have effectively exposed Russian vulnerabilities.
On August 6, Ukraine launched a cross-border military incursion into Kursk, claiming control of about 100 settlements and approximately 1,300 square kilometers. Ukrainian military officials report that Russia's counteroffensive has stalled, with attempts to reclaim lost territory proving unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials claim that thousands of Russian civilians remain in areas under Ukrainian control. Allegations of mistreatment have been denied by Ukrainian forces, who assert that civilians are being provided with food and water.
In contrast, the Russian military has announced new offensives in the Kursk region, insisting that operations are ongoing.
