Record Russian losses in Ukraine as offensive actions escalate
The independent Russian portal Agientstwo highlighted the losses suffered by the Russian army in Ukraine in October this year. The analysis indicated that Ukrainians eliminated more Russian military equipment than in any other month during the past two years of the war.
Reports indicate that in October this year, Russia lost as many as 695 pieces of military equipment due to being destroyed, damaged, abandoned, or seized by Ukrainian forces. Agientstwo mainly refers to data from the Oryx blog, which bases its assessments of Russian losses on photos and video materials from the front.
Significant Russian losses in October
Russia lost 253 infantry fighting vehicles, 103 tanks, 41 armoured personnel carriers, and four aircraft, including two Su-25s and two Su-34s, as well as a Mi-28 helicopter, in October.
The Su-25 (NATO reporting name Frogfoot) is a common sight over Ukraine, used to support ground forces from the air. This aircraft is over 15 metres long and can reach speeds up to 950 km/h. The Russians also frequently use the Su-34, a tactical bomber capable of carrying up to 9,000 kilograms of weaponry, including various types of aerial bombs, rockets, and cruise missiles.
Ukrainian forces also suffered losses. During the same period, they lost 276 units, including 47 armoured personnel carriers, 28 infantry fighting vehicles, 21 tanks, and one aircraft (Su-24M).
Comparing data from previous months shows a noticeable increase in losses on the Russian side. In September, 547 units were destroyed, 434 in August, 584 in July, and 576 in June. For reference, in the previously record-breaking October of 2022, the Russians lost as many as 1032 units, resulting from a successful Ukrainian offensive around Kharkiv.
Separate reports suggest that the increase in these equipment losses is due to heightened Russian offensive activity in Ukraine. Forbes notes that the Kremlin is willing to "trade" equipment and human resources to control Ukrainian land.
Russians on the offensive
Data from the end of October and the beginning of November also show that Russia achieved the highest offensive actions in the past year. Project DeepState reveals that in the week ending November 3, Russians captured 171 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory, a slight decrease from the previous week, when they seized 197 square kilometres.
However, experts cited by The New York Times indicate that Russia may face serious shortages of military equipment and personnel in the coming year.
