Russia's Ukraine War Casualties Reach 1.2 Million, Heaviest Since WWII
Russian military forces have sustained a staggering 1.2 million casualties in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to a new study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This figure includes as many as 325,000 deaths, marking the heaviest battlefield losses for any major power since the Second World War.
Kremlin Dismisses Casualty Figures as Zelensky Warns of New Attack
The Kremlin has swiftly dismissed these casualty figures, labelling them as unreliable and asserting that only data from the Russian defence ministry should be trusted. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of an "act of terrorism" following a deadly drone strike on a civilian passenger train that killed at least five people.
President Zelensky issued a stark warning, stating that Russia is preparing a "new massive strike", which he believes discredits ongoing diplomatic peace talks. This warning comes amidst escalating violence, with three people reported killed in overnight Russian drone attacks in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, specifically targeting the city of Vilnyansk.
Peace Talks Continue Amidst Escalating Conflict
Despite the heightened tensions and fresh attacks, diplomatic efforts persist. Trilateral negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are scheduled to continue in Abu Dhabi. Earlier talks concluded without a formal agreement, but both sides have expressed a degree of openness to further dialogue, offering a fragile hope for de-escalation.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the immense human cost of the war now quantified in this sobering study, juxtaposed against continued military aggression and uncertain diplomatic prospects.
