Putin’s Meat Mincer: The Tragic Cost of Russia’s War in Ukraine

Russian forces have been suffering heavy losses in Ukraine over the past few months, with around 1,000 soldiers being wounded or killed every day on average, according to intelligence reports from the US, UK and other Western nations. Despite these casualties, Russia continues to recruit around 25,000 to 30,000 new troops each month, which is roughly equivalent to the number of soldiers leaving the battlefield. This strategy allows Russia to keep sending waves of troops into Ukrainian defenses in an attempt to overwhelm them and break through their lines.

Russian soldiers have described this type of warfare as being put in a meat mincer, with commanding officers appearing indifferent to the fact that they are sending infantrymen to their deaths. While this approach has been successful in some areas, such as Avdiivka and Bakhmut, it was less effective near Kharkiv this spring. Russia attempted to create a buffer zone along the border in order to hinder Ukrainian attacks but was stopped by Ukrainian defenses.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, at least 350,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. However, estimates from British sources place this number at over 500,000. The use of drones, mines and cluster munitions has made movement across open terrain extremely dangerous for both sides contributing significantly to high casualties.

Despite these challenges Ukraine is starting to receive weapons and ammunition from a new $60 billion US aid package which is helping them fortify their defenses. With Ukraine focusing on holding their lines and building fortifications they have managed to slow down the Russian advance and stabilize their frontline. A recent policy change allowing Ukraine to use US missiles near the border has also had a positive impact on their ability to defend against Russian attacks.

Looking ahead US and Western officials anticipate that fighting will shift east and south again as Russia continues