[Discussion] Escalating Casualties: Russia's Casualties Estimated to Surpass 750,000

[Uncrowned Guard]

Steep Increase in Russian Casualties in Ukraine Invasion: Ukraine's General Staff Report

Russia has been hard hit with a phenomenal loss of 750,610 troops since the onset of Ukraine's full-scale invasion, which began on February 24, 2022. This staggering figure was delivered by the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces on December 6th.

Highlighting recent events, the report mentioned an afflictive loss of 1,660 Russian troops in just a single day.

In addition to the massive loss of human lives, Russia has also suffered significant hits to its military weaponry. Documented losses encompass 9,514 tanks, 19,518 armored fighting vehicles, 30,899 vehicles, and fuel tanks, in addition to a vast range of other military assets—including aircraft, drones, and naval vessels.

Skyrocketing Coffin Prices Reflect the Toll of War in Russia

Indirectly reflecting the grim reality of war, the cost of coffins in Russia has skyrocketed, hitting an astonishing markup of 74% since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as per reports from the Moscow Times. The data, dated December 5, cites Russia's Federal State Statistics Service (RosStat).

Simultaneously, Russian forces have been marching into Eastern Ukraine at an unparalleled pace, resulting in distressingly high casualties. November reportedly saw Russia incurring maximum losses, with 45,720 soldiers wounded, killed, or captured.

At the inception of 2022, a coffin in Russia was priced at 4,437 rubles ($44). By October 2024, the cost had elevated to 7,711 rubles ($76), according to the Moscow Times.

Russian Economy Strains under High Inflation and Rising Costs

The escalation in coffin prices bears testimony to the underlying economic crisis kindled by the Ukraine invasion. The grave situation further intensified after Russia announced mobilization in September 2022.

In the immediate aftermath of the invasion, coffin prices rose by 48% during 2022, followed by successive annual hikes of nearly 12% and 10%. Some regions, notably, Sakhalin, Omsk Oblast, Tambov Oblast, and Smolensk Oblast, saw prices more than double in 2023.

Moreover, Russian monthly inflation rates reached an all-time high in November, escalating over 1.5 times compared to October, as stated by RosStat. The week of November 19-25 alone witnessed a consumer price index increase of 0.36%—a rise of over 8% since the beginning of the year. This also marked the first time overall food inflation exceeded 10% since January 2023, according to the Moscow Times.

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