Leaked data points to massive Russian military casualties as Moscow proposes NATO talks

Leaked records from Russia's national statistics agency Rosstat indicate that nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine since February 2022. According to analysis by Janis Kluge from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, monthly fatalities exceeded 15,000 in late 2024 and early 2025. Reports also highlight problematic recruitment practices within Russia, including the enlistment of individuals with severe mental health conditions.

Concurrently, European security agencies are clamping down on Russian covert operations, evidenced by a Latvian state security raid targeting suspected operative Vasilijs Kovacovs near Riga. Meanwhile, diplomatic reports suggest Russia is seeking direct bilateral negotiations with European NATO members regarding security arrangements. German officials are reportedly assessing a Russian working document outlining these proposals, though government-aligned sources have disputed its existence.

Sources: Beta, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti