October surge: Record Russian military losses in Ukraine
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 in the last two years of the war.
Reports indicate that in October this year, Russia lost as many as 695 pieces of military equipment, which were destroyed, damaged, abandoned, or seized by Ukrainian forces. Agientstwo mainly refers to data from the Oryx blog, whose creators determine Russian losses based on photos or video materials from the front.
Significant Russian losses in October
Among the equipment that Russia lost in October this year were 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.
The Su-25 (NATO reporting name Frogfoot) is one of the Russian aircraft most frequently seen over Ukraine. It is used to support ground forces from the air. This aircraft measures over 15 metres in length and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 950 km/h. The Russians equally often use the Su-34. It is a tactical bomber capable of carrying up to 9 metric tonnes of weaponry, including various types of aerial bombs, as well as rocket 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, there has been 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 1,032 units, resulting from a successful Ukrainian offensive around Kharkiv.
Separate reports suggest that the increase in these equipment losses is due to increased Russian offensive activity in Ukraine. Forbes notes that the Kremlin is willing to "trade" equipment and human resources for control over Ukrainian land.
Russians on the offensive
Data from the end of October and the beginning of November also show that Russia achieved the highest level of offensive actions in the past year. Project DeepState reveals that in the week ending on 3rd November, Russians managed to capture 171 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory, a slight decrease compared to the previous week, when they seized 197 square kilometres.
However, experts cited by The New York Times indicate that in the coming year, Russia may face serious shortages of military equipment and personnel.
