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Putin’s ill-advised February 24th invasion of Ukraine has been a disaster. And the Russian losses are staggering.

In the David-versus-Goliath war, Russia had at least four times as many soldiers as Ukraine. And when the invasion started, Ukraine’s military was massively outgunned and under-equipped in comparison. Experts were predicting that Moscow's resources were overwhelming. And Ukraine would be quickly taken over.

Russian losses in troops

Ukraine military sources estimate that 18,900 Russian soldiers have died since the beginning of the war. They claim the estimate is based on the recovery of bodies. And on Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian communications. 

Military experts in NATO and the US are estimating at least 14,000 Russian soldiers have died in the invasion.

Russian losses include the number of wounded and incapacitated soldiers. It is estimated that the number is three or four times as high as the death toll.

Russian General Staff’s Main Operational Directorate, Col. Gen. Sergey Rudskoy, claimed 3 weeks ago that “Unfortunately, during the special military operation, there are losses among our comrades-in-arms. To date, 2,351 servicemen have died, 3,825 have been injured,” Rudskoy told a briefing. They have not added to the number of dead.

In the meantime, Russia lost two more commander colonels. So far there have been at least 10 deaths of high-ranking military officials. 

Col. Alexander Bespalov was killed and buried in Ozersk, according to Ukraine reports.

Bespalov was the commander of the 59th Guards Tank Regiment and part of the 144th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, according to Visegrad 24.

Col. Denis Kurilo was killed during fighting near Kharkiv on March 29, according to Ukrainian officials.

The Ukrainian military has been highly effective in targeting and “taking out” Russia’s top brass.

And last week Putin promoted a new commander for the Donbas escalation. He appointed Army Gen. Alexander Dvornikov aka “The Butcher of Syria” to shift directions.

Russian losses in equipment

Ukraine has had continued success with its use of drones. And they have prevented Russia’s military from gaining control of the skies over Ukraine.

Ukraine claims 147 aircraft and 134 helicopters have been shot down. 

And the Ukraine countryside is littered with destroyed armored vehicles. Ukraine estimated 657 tanks have been destroyed, so far. And “thousands” of other vehicles were hit.

Ukraine military officials say through drone surveillance they have identified approximately 37 of 125 battalion tactical groups that had to retreat to be repaired, refurbished, or amalgamated.

For Russia, it has been one setback after another.  And by any estimate, Ukraine is continuing to inflict a high price for Putin’s invasion of their country. 

Ukrainian fighters and President Volodymyr Zelenksy’s government are hoping that David will beat Goliath this time around.