A top NATO official claims that the 300,000 Russian soldier casualties aren't enough for the Russian government to end its invasion of Ukraine.
Ever since Kremline waged war against Kyiv in February 2022, both sides have lost hundreds and tens of thousands of troops, tanks, fighter planes, etc.
However, for Russia, its current casualties are not enough for it to end the war. Here's what Jens Stoltenberg, the head of NATO and secretary-general of the Western military alliance, explained.
Russia's 300,000 Soldier Casualties in Ukraine Not Enough to End Invasion
Members of a Russian team that looks for the lost remains of Red Army soldiers killed while fighting against Nazi Germany’s forces during World War II take part in a reburial ceremony of the excavated soldiers remains outside Russia's second city of St.Petersburg, on May 7 2013.
Jens Stoltenberg claimed that Russia is a country that has a high tolerance when it comes to military casualties, such as soldiers, aircraft, tanks, war vehicles, etc.
The top NATO officials added that military casualties are just among the issues faced by Russia as it continues its invasion. Other problems the Kremlin experiences are economical and political issues.
"As Ukraine has moved forward, Russia has fallen backward. It is now weaker politically, militarily, and economically," said the NATO leader via Business Insider.
"Oil and gas revenues are dropping. Russian banking assets are under sanctions. Over 1,000 foreign companies have stopped or scaled down their operations in the country. And 1.3 million people left Russia last year," he added.
Aside from these, Stoltenberg also said that Russia could be losing its influence with nearby countries, such as Central Asia and the Caucasus. Because of this, the Russian government is becoming more and more dependent on China.
Russia Shouldn't Be Underestimated
The body of a dead Russian soldier lays ontop of a Chechen APC on the outskirts of Grozny, 21 December 1999. Chechen sources said 22 December that rebels outside the capital had been ordered to regroup in the south, as Russian military sources claimed that the final push into Grozny was under way.
Comparing Russia's casualties to Ukraine's figures, the casualties that Kyiv experiences are definitely lower than Kremlin's.
The New York Times reported that Ukraine lost between 70,000 to 100,000 soldiers. When it comes to injuries, over 120,000 Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.
Meanwhile, Russia still has a higher injury figure compared to Ukraine; with between 170,000 to 180,000 Russian troops being wounded.
Despite this, Jens Stoltenberg warned that Russia shouldn't be underestimated by Ukraine and other countries.
He explained that Russian President Vladimir Putin has a high tolerance when it comes to casualties and his goals in Ukraine remain the same.
Now, Putin's hatred towards Ukraine is expected to intensify as NATO leaders said that Ukraine's membership is being finalized. You can read the story below to learn more about this conflict.
Related Article: Ukraine's NATO Membership Being Finalized, But Recommendations for Kyiv's Needed Reforms Still Under Discussion
