Data Leak Reveals True Russian Losses in Ukraine War
A recent data leak from Russia's statistics agency, Rosstat, has provided a rare glimpse into the high losses sustained by Russian forces in the ongoing Ukraine war. The independent news agency Important Stories analyzed the leaked data, estimating that at least 71,000 Russian soldiers have perished since the conflict began in February 2022. This revelation has prompted the Kremlin to swiftly classify its mortality data as secret, deleting columns from public records that detailed the extent of war deaths.
The figures from the data leak align with other independent studies, such as those by Mediazona and Meduza, which estimate around 120,000 Russian soldiers have been lost. Ukraine, however, claims that up to 500,000 Russian soldiers have been either killed or seriously wounded. The Kharkiv offensive, which started in May, has been particularly costly for Russian forces, with NATO officials describing the losses as 'astronomical.'
Drone Warfare Intensifies Over Crimea
In a related development, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that it had intercepted 33 Ukrainian aerial drones and ten naval drones overnight over Crimea. This incident underscores the increasing use of drone technology by both sides in the conflict. The Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol confirmed that loud noises heard in the city were linked to a Russian military response to an attempted drone attack.
Earlier in June, Moscow accused Ukraine of conducting a deadly strike in Crimea using American missiles, resulting in at least four deaths and over 150 injuries. Ukraine has stepped up its drone attacks on Russian territory this year, targeting energy sites and other strategic locations. The extensive use of drones since the war began in February 2022 highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare.
- The Kremlin's swift action to classify mortality data as secret following the leak indicates the sensitivity and potential impact of these figures on public perception and morale. The deletion of specific data columns by Rosstat was first noticed by Russian demographer Alexey Raksha, who has previously worked at the agency.
- The ongoing drone warfare over Crimea and other regions demonstrates the strategic importance of aerial and naval drone technology in the conflict. Both sides have increasingly relied on drones for reconnaissance and offensive operations, reflecting a significant shift in military tactics.
