Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian army losses in Ukraine have exceeded 700,000 personnel, stated U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
"Since 2022, Russian losses in Ukraine have surpassed 700,000. This is now more than Moscow has lost in all its conflicts combined since World War II. Russian casualties in Ukraine now account for more than two-thirds of the total number of Russian military personnel at the beginning of the war chosen by Putin," Austin said during a briefing following the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format) on Thursday in Germany.
The Pentagon chief described the Russian losses as "staggering," noting that as a result, the Kremlin has been forced to seek recruits for the war from prisons and to conscript contract soldiers.
"Moscow has even deployed troops from North Korea to a war in which they had not previously participated. This is yet another clear sign of Putin's desperation. North Korean forces have suffered thousands—over a thousand casualties since they entered Putin's war last December," Austin stated.
Meanwhile, as the Secretary of Defense pointed out, the economic toll of "Putin's imperial fantasies on ordinary Russians has also been staggering."
"The Kremlin plans to allocate about 40% of Russia's budget for 2025 to keep pace with the support of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group," he noted.
Austin emphasized that Russia is paying a "horrific price" for its unjustified war against Ukraine, yet Putin has not achieved any of his strategic objectives.
In Germany, at the Ramstein airbase, the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group is taking place on Thursday, December 9, after a long hiatus. The previous, 24th meeting occurred on September 6.
Leaders of the capability coalition groups within the Ramstein format approved eight roadmaps outlining key objectives for Ukraine's Defense Forces through 2027. The coalition roadmaps define Ukraine's strategic goals until 2027 and serve as the foundation for medium-term and long-term support. We are also working to ensure that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are fully compatible with alliance forces, reported Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The first meeting at the Ramstein airbase took place on April 26, 2022.