Russian military losses exceeded recruitment numbers for the second consecutive month in January, according to Ukrainian officials, raising questions about the Kremlin’s ability to sustain its war effort without resorting to broader mobilization.
According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian forces suffered more casualties in January than they were able to recruit, The Kyiv Independent reports.
Robert “Magyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, stated that Russia recruited approximately 22,000 soldiers in January. Simultaneously, confirmed losses reached 30,618 troops.
This resulted in a net personnel loss of 8,618 for the month.
Russian losses also exceeded recruitment in December. During that month, Russia added 27,400 contract soldiers, while losses totaled 33,200 killed.
Brovdi leads an intelligence and drone force that has become a key player in the defense against the Russian invasion. In 2025, Brovdi received the Hero of Ukraine medal from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s highest honor.
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Experts Say Russia is Vulnerable
The Kyiv Independent has not independently verified the casualty figures, but Civita advisor Eirik Løkke believes the numbers are likely accurate.
– There are also other sources saying the same thing, he told VG.
