Russian forces suffered their deadliest day since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine for the second day in a row, with 1,950 men lost according to figures released by Kyiv on Nov. 12. This surpasses the previous record of 1,770 set just the day before, bringing the total figure to 712,610. The surge in losses comes as Russian forces step up pressure across the front lines, with Western nations estimating that the figure includes dead, wounded, missing, and captured troops. NATO allies believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin is aiming to recapture territory lost to Ukraine in Kursk Oblast before Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20. A British defense intelligence assessment warns of intensified kamikaze drone attacks and the deployment of 50,000 troops, including soldiers from North Korea, to the Kursk region.
In the south of Ukraine, Russian assaults in Zaporizhzhia Oblast could begin “any day,” according to Ukrainian military spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn. Russia is deploying trained assault groups to advance in the region, with preparations for attacks ongoing. Meanwhile, in the east of Ukraine, Russia continues its advances, with large chunks of Ukrainian territory being lost on a near-daily basis in southern Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces have also made significant gains near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, Kupiansk, and in their own soil in Kursk Oblast. The increasing pressure on Ukrainian positions is resulting in high numbers of Russian troops being injured and killed, with an average of 1,500 casualties per day reported for the previous month.
British Defence Staff Chief Admiral Anthony Radakin stated that Russia is sacrificing high numbers of troops for “tiny increments of land,” with up to 1,500 Russian troops being killed or wounded per day. Despite this, Russia is making tactical and territorial gains while putting pressure on Ukraine amid a heavy offensive. The number of Russian troops injured and killed last month averaged 1,500 each day, according to Admiral Radakin. The U.K. Defense Minister also reported that Russia suffered 41,980 killed and wounded in October, emphasizing the heavy toll of the conflict on Russian forces. The situation in Ukraine is escalating, with Russian forces continuing to push forward and engage in intense combat.
The damage caused by Russian forces in Ukraine is significant, with reports of attacks on key infrastructure. The Kurakhove Reservoir dam in Donetsk Oblast has been damaged, posing a threat to the local area. A Russian missile hit a high-rise building in Kryvyi Rih, resulting in at least 14 injuries, including two children. With Russian attacks expected in Zaporizhzhia Oblast imminently, tensions remain high in Ukraine. Military intelligence indicates that Russia is planning to use armored vehicles and drones in their assaults, with preparations for offensive operations well underway. The conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of abating, with both sides continuing to engage in fierce battles and suffering significant casualties.
Overall, the conflict in Ukraine between Russian and Ukrainian forces is intensifying, with high casualties on both sides. Russian forces are pushing forward into Ukrainian territory, aiming to recapture lost territory and make tactical gains. The heavy toll of the conflict is evident in the high number of casualties reported on a daily basis, with Russian troops bearing the brunt of the losses. The damage caused by Russian attacks on key infrastructure in Ukraine is further exacerbating the situation, with civilian populations at risk. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a focal point of international attention, with concerns growing about the escalation of violence and the humanitarian impact on the region.