Leaked data and military criticism highlight mounting Russian war costs

Leaked death registry records from Russia's Rosstat statistics agency indicate that approximately 500,000 Russian soldiers have died since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Analysis by Janis Kluge of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs shows combat fatalities surpassed 15,000 per month during late 2024 and early 2025.

Reports continue to detail aggressive Russian recruitment tactics, including the enlistment of individuals with severe mental disabilities. Meanwhile, European authorities remain vigilant against Russian hybrid threats, following the recent armed raid and arrest of suspected operative Vasilijs Kovacovs by Latvian counter-intelligence agents near Riga.

Dissent within Russian military leadership has also re-emerged. Retired Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov publicly denounced President Vladimir Putin during an online broadcast, asserting the war is lost and calling for an immediate end to hostilities and peace negotiations.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti