Ukraine war: More than 20,000 Russian troops killed since December, US says

According to newly declassified intelligence, the US estimates that over 20,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in fighting in Ukraine since December, with an additional 80,000 wounded. Half of the casualties are from the Wagner mercenary company, which has been attacking the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.

The battle for Bakhmut has taken on significant symbolic importance for both sides, with Ukrainian officials stating that they are using it to wear down Russia’s reserves. Despite holding most of Bakhmut, Russia has been unable to seize any significant territory. The toll in Bakhmut accounts for losses since the start of December, according to the US figures.

According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, Russia’s attempted offensive in Ukraine has failed, with extraordinary losses suffered by Russian soldiers. The US estimates that over 20,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the fighting, with an additional 80,000 wounded.

Kirby did not give estimates of Ukrainian casualties, as he considers Ukraine to be the victim in the conflict. Bakhmut, the city being fought over, has little strategic value, but has become a focal point for Russian commanders who have struggled to deliver any positive news to the Kremlin. The Wagner mercenary group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, has taken centre stage in the Russian assault on Bakhmut.

However, Prigozhin has threatened to pull his troops out of Bakhmut if they are not provided with much-needed ammunition by the Russian defence ministry, warning that Wagner fighters could be redeployed to Mali. It should be noted that the figures given by the US cannot be independently verified, and Moscow has not commented on them.

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