– This is due to the number of threats to our country along our borders, the extremely hostile situation on the western borders and the instability on the eastern borders, which requires taking appropriate measures, Peskov explained to the media representatives. This is the third consecutive increase in the number of armed forces since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. The previous decision was made a year ago.
In Kiev, it is said that this is actually an element of progressive mobilization. Increasing the number of troops can be achieved in this way without the need to announce a decision on additional mobilization of conscripts, which could prove politically costly. Meanwhile, the recruitment of new soldiers is necessary due to losses on the Ukrainian front and the lack of serious successes, regardless of progress in the Pokrov sector. The Wall Street Journal, citing Western intelligence services, has just estimated that the Russians have lost 200,000 soldiers so far and 400,000 were wounded. According to the same source, Ukrainian losses amount to 80,000 and 400,000 soldiers. This information cannot be independently verified. The Russian website Meduza considers both estimates to be exaggerated. The Ukrainian authorities, for reasons of military secrecy, do not disclose their own losses, estimating Russian losses at 636,000 killed. This figure is almost certainly highly inflated. ©℗
