Russia's Military Losses Hit Record Highs in October

October was a tough month for Russia's military, with record losses in armored vehicles and artillery systems, according to Ukraine's defense ministry. Russia lost 903 armored fighting vehicles, the highest monthly total since the war began in February 2022. The total loss of armored vehicles since the start of the war now stands at 18, 450. Russia also lost a record number of cars and cisterns in October, with the total reaching 27, 840 since the start of the war. The monthly loss of these vehicles in October was 2, 340, beating the previous high of 2, 103 in July. Ukraine's estimate of Russia's artillery systems has also reached a new milestone, surpassing 20, 000 and standing at 20, 013 on Thursday. Russia's troop losses, which include both killed and injured, continue to be high. Ukraine reported 1, 560 Russian casualties on Thursday, bringing the total for the war to 693, 640. The monthly tally for October was 40, 520, the highest since the start of Putin's full-scale invasion.

Both sides in the conflict are tight-lipped about their losses, making it difficult to get an accurate number. Russia's last official update on troop losses was in September 2022, when it reported just under 6, 000 deaths. Ukraine has also not been transparent about its personnel losses. Russian forces are making slow progress in the Donetsk region, but their tactics are leading to high casualties. The British Army's Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said in July that it would take five years to replenish the Russian army to its pre-war strength. However, Russia is reportedly able to recruit 30, 000 new soldiers each month, and North Korea is sending around 10, 000 troops to fight alongside Russia.

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