Despite massive support from the international community and deeply entrenched defenses, Ukraine has reportedly lost 8 times more soldiers than Russia since the beginning of the 2022 Invasion of Ukraine.
A new report by Turkish newspaper Hurdesa Haber has claimed that, according to Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, a staggering 157,000 Ukrainian soldiers, 2,458 foreign fighters, 5,360 “mercenaries,” and 234 “NATO military trainers” from the United States and the United Kingdom have died in Ukraine since the start of the 2022 Invasion of Ukraine by Russia on February 24 of last year.
Comparatively, only 18,480 Russian soldiers are believed to have been killed in the same period, according to the reported data from Israel.
The alleged data was gathered by Israeli intelligence on January 14th of 2023. If accurate, it would signify an overwhelming imbalance of casualties between Russia and its opponents – even with both sides being extremely well-armed and equipped for battle.
Ukrainian soldiers operating in the Donbas in 2014 (State photo)
In addition to this incredible disparity in fatalities, reports from Ukrainian authorities estimate that over 5.9 million civilians have been displaced as a result of the conflict.
Beyond the loss of life, it was reported that Ukraine has lost the following military equipment: 302 aircraft, 212 helicopters, 2,750 UAVs, 6,320 tanks and armored vehicles, 7,360 artillery systems, and 497 Air defense systems. It was also reported that 234,000 Ukrainian soldiers are injured, and another 17,230 were held as prisoners of war.
Russia is reported to have lost 23 planes, 56 helicopters, 200 UAVs, 889 tanks and armored vehicles, 427 artillery systems, 12 and Air defense systems. It was reported that 44,500 Russian soldiers have been injured and only 323 were held as prisoners of war.
Despite the human losses, the West appears to remain resolute in its commitment to Ukraine and is currently debating sending long-range missiles to the country, after recently agreeing to send dozens of tanks over the next few years.
The conflict began on February 24 of last year after a years-long standoff between Russia and Ukraine over disputed territories in the eastern part of the country known as the Donbas. Russia claims it invaded to protect ethnic Russians from imminent Ukrainian state violence, while Kiev and its allies maintain that the invasion was unprovoked.
This news and commentary by Tom Pappert originally appeared on Valiant News.
