The Number of Troop Deaths and Injuries in Ukraine-Russia War Approaching 500,000
The number of Ukrainian and Russian troops killed or wounded since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022 is nearing 500,000, according to a report by the New York Times. The information was provided by unnamed US officials, who cautioned that casualty figures remained difficult to estimate due to Moscow’s alleged undercounting of its war dead and injured, as well as Kyiv’s lack of official disclosures.
The report states that Russia’s military casualties are approaching 300,000, with an estimated 120,000 deaths and 170,000 to 180,000 injuries. Ukrainian deaths, on the other hand, are close to 70,000, with 100,000 to 120,000 wounded. These figures indicate a significant toll on both sides of the conflict.
The New York Times quotes the officials as saying that the casualty count has increased since Ukraine launched a counter-attack earlier this year. The ongoing conflict continues to claim lives and inflict injuries on soldiers from both nations.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, responded to the New York Times article, stating that only the General Staff of Ukraine has the authority to disclose official figures. He emphasized that the General Staff is responsible for providing information on the wounded, disabled individuals, amputees, missing persons, and the number of people who have died in the war.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military announced gains in its counter-offensive against Russian forces on the southeastern front. Kyiv claimed that its forces had liberated a village, marking their first significant success since July 27. However, advancing through heavily mined Russian defensive lines without powerful air support presents a significant challenge for Ukrainian forces.
At the time of reporting, there had been no immediate response from Ukrainian officials to Reuters’ requests for comment. Similarly, Russia had not provided an immediate comment on the report. The toll on human lives and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to be a matter of concern and international attention.
Original Source: Reuters
Original Story at www.rnz.co.nz – 2023-08-18 23:46:57
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