**Media Identifies Over 82,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in Ukraine**
A joint investigation by BBC Russia and Mediazona has identified the names of 82,050 Russian soldiers who died during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine as of December 6. The findings were published on December 11.
The investigation shows that Russia’s losses are disproportionately high among lower-income and marginalized regions. Bashkortostan has the highest number of identified soldiers killed in Ukraine.
**Russia’s War Efforts**
Ukrainian authorities reported over 750,000 Russian casualties as of early December, including both dead and injured soldiers. Daily highs have reached up to 1,500 Russian casualties.
Russia has avoided instituting a full-scale mobilization, opting instead to hike sign-on bonuses to attract volunteers. The country has also recruited foreigners, including North Korean soldiers who were reportedly sent to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine.
**Territorial Gains and Casualties**
Russia has made territorial gains in eastern Ukraine using brutal tactics at the cost of high casualties among its soldiers. A recent Ukrainian missile strike damaged critical infrastructure in the city of Taganrog, Rostov Oblast.
Russian forces suffered 1,400 casualties just over the past day. The number includes those killed and injured.
**Prisoner Exchange**
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov suggested a prisoner exchange could be a “healthy step forward,” particularly with the start of the new U.S. administration.
**Ukraine’s Support**
The State Department approved a $266 million foreign military sales package for Ukraine to sustain services and repair F-16 fighter jets.
**Recent Developments**
A Russian drone struck an International Atomic Energy Agency service vehicle on its way to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto pledged to veto a proposal to impose EU sanctions on Georgian officials for their crackdown on anti-government protests.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced $20 billion in loan assistance to Ukraine as part of a broader $50 billion initiative supported by G7 countries.
Successful tests of a new Ukrainian missile, dubbed Ruta (Rue), are underway.
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