[Total casualties exceed one million: US media discloses the number of deaths on both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war]

On June 4, The New York Times cited the latest research data released by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), indicating that nearly one million Russian military personnel have been casualties in the war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian side has also suffered approximately 400,000 casualties, with total casualties from both sides approaching 1.4 million.

The report emphasized that such assessments are difficult to verify precisely, as the Russian side is accused of systematically concealing casualty figures, while the Ukrainian side has never disclosed official data. The research data is based on estimates from the U.S. and UK governments and other sources. The data reveals the slow progress of the Russian army in Ukraine: in some areas, the advance speed is about 50 meters per day – slower than the costly Somme Offensive during World War I involving British and French troops.

The CSIS report data shows that since January 2024, Russia has only occupied less than 1% of Ukrainian territory but continues to launch offensives. Overall, Russian forces control about 20% of Ukrainian territory. One of the authors of the CSIS report, Seth G. Jones, stated, "Russia's military operations in Ukraine are among the slowest offensives in modern history. They have suffered more than a million casualties, their occupied areas are negligible, and they have lost large amounts of equipment."

Data shows that the number of Russian military deaths is about 250,000. By comparison, the Soviet Union lost approximately 8.7 million military personnel during World War II. On the Ukrainian side, the death toll is estimated to be between 60,000 and 100,000.

Analysts point out that currently about 400,000 Russian troops and 250,000 Ukrainian troops are confronting each other on the front lines. Putin may face years of attrition warfare, especially if the United States and Europe continue to provide military assistance and intelligence to Ukraine. The study emphasizes that if Russia wants to win the war in the short term, the United States must stop supporting Ukraine. Jones said, "If former U.S. President Donald Trump refused to assist Ukraine, Russia would gain strategic advantages."

The report states that Ukraine plans to produce 2.5 million drones by 2025. Compared to destroyed targets (including manpower, armored equipment, and even strategic aircraft), their cost is "negligible."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834001584650320/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone.