Russia loses over 150 000 troops in war

– France estimates over 150 000 Russian soldiers have been killed during Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said in an interview published yesterday.

Speaking to Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta Europe, Sejourne said Paris estimated total Russian casualties, including wounded, at 500 000 in the war, now in its third year.

“Europe and its partners will remain united and determined, for as long as necessary. Russia’s military failure is already apparent. We estimate Russian military losses at 500 000, including 150 000 deaths,” he said.

“All of this for what?” he asked. “This can be summed up in two words: for nothing,” he said.

Russia has not disclosed information on its casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in February that 180 000 Russian troops had been killed in the war.

Britain estimates that approximately 450 000 Russians have been killed or wounded in Ukraine.

The BBC reported in April that more than 50 000 Russian military personnel have died, citing its own reporters, independent media group Mediazona and volunteers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” at dawn on 24 February, 2022, which has since turned into a bloody attrition war, isolating Russia from the West.

Some military analysts believe that Russia could be on the verge of launching a major new offensive in Ukraine.

Speaking about frozen Russian assets in the European Union, Sejourne reaffirmed that the funds could be used to fund the defence of Ukraine against the invasion but did not give specifics. –