**Russia Suffers Heavy Casualties in Ukraine War**
The Russian military has suffered over 700,000 casualties since launching its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This is a higher number than all of Russia’s conflicts since World War II combined.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said this on January 9 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. He added that the toll is so severe that it has stretched Russia’s military resources to the breaking point.
**Desperate Measures**
Russia has lost nearly 1,500 troops daily in November 2024 alone. To sustain its offensive, Moscow has been forced to recruit contract soldiers from Russian jails and even hire soldiers from North Korea.
According to Austin, over 1,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly died since joining the war in December. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put the figure at 4,000, including both wounded and killed.
**Economic Impact**
The war has also had a devastating economic impact on ordinary Russians. The Kremlin has allocated 40% of its 2025 budget to sustain the war effort, leading to a further decline in the value of the ruble.
**Global Isolation**
Russia’s increasing reliance on authoritarian allies like North Korea has further isolated Moscow on the world stage. “Russia’s global stature and strategic position have continued to decay,” Austin said.
Despite the heavy cost, Russian President Vladimir Putin has little to show for his efforts. “Russia has paid an appalling price for this indefensible war,” Austin concluded. “Yet Putin has not achieved a single one of his strategic objectives. Not one.”
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