[Discussion] Russia's 580,000 Troops in Ukraine: Rising Casualties and Intense Battles

[Uncrowned Guard]

Nearly 580,000 Russian Soldiers Battling Ukraine Amid Mounting Casualties

In the ongoing conflict against Ukraine, Russia has engaged almost 580,000 of its ground forces, reported Vadym Skibitskyi, the deputy head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) to Interfax Ukraine on Nov. 21.

This formidable figure reflects Russia's determined efforts to enlarge its military apparatus engaging in the Ukrainian war. The Russian government has amended its policies to incentivize enlistment in the Russian army. These amendments absolve prospective defendants from criminal liability and offer financial rewards for contract service.

Russian Forces' Participation Beyond Borders

Skibitskyi explained this count encapsulates Russian forces stationed in Russia's Kursk Oblast, who are currently involved in combat against Ukraine's incursion into the region. According to an undisclosed source in the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces cited by Suspilne, nearly 60,000 Russian military personnel are presently deployed in Kursk.

Moreover, approximately 35,000 Russian Guard troops, or Rosgvardia, have been deployed in the Russian-occupied territories within Ukraine, Skibitskyi indicated.

Staggering Casualties Among Russian Ranks

Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that close to 700,000 Russian troops were fighting in Ukraine. As of October, the Russian army has faced about 600,000 casualties since the full-on invasion began based on Pentagon calculations, and nearly 730,00 based on Ukrainian estimates.

This figure underscores a particularly deadly phase of the war for Russian forces. As per data from the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, September was marked as the second most fatal month for Russian soldiers since February 2022.

Pressured Ukraine Continues Its Defensive Struggle

Despite the staggering casualty rates, Russian forces maintain their onslaught in eastern Ukraine, with a major focus on the cities of Pokrovsk and Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Ukrainian soldiers persevere in the face of the mounting pressure, although they are slowly conceding territory to the aggressive Russian advances.

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