According to reports from Western intelligence agencies, including the US and UK, an average of 1,000 Russian troops were killed or wounded per day in Ukraine in May. This was the highest casualty rate since the conflict began in February 2022. The total number of Russian troops killed or wounded is estimated to be around 500,000, with no distinction made between those killed and wounded.
In May, Russia escalated its attacks on Ukrainian positions in the Kharkiv region, resulting in high casualties for Russian troops. Russia has been employing high-casualty head-on attacks, known as “human wave” or “meat grinder” attacks, in an attempt to seize control of certain areas. These attacks were used with some success in previous battles but are proving less effective now. Despite this increase in casualties, Russia has been able to recruit new soldiers at a rapid rate while Ukraine struggles to find new recruits.
Russia has been offering lucrative contracts to new recruits and drafting prisoners into the military to replace losses. In September 2022, Russia drafted 300,000 civilians into the military but US officials believe another draft will not be necessary in the near future due to a decrease in manpower needs. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to sustain its military forces while grappling with sustaining them over the long term.