Russia Suffers Massive Casualties in Avdiivka; Executes Retreating Troops
Nevertheless, Despite Shrinking Ranks, Moscow Persists
Overt Operator
October 28, 2023
Putin Loses Entire Brigade in Recent Critical Battle: Developing Story
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has lost his "entire brigade" in a recent battle. Moscow lost hundreds of troops in the battle to take the city of Avdiivka, officials in Kyiv stated, The Independent reports.
Over the past week, Russia had pressured a strong advance into the Avdiivka region, the Atlantic Council writes. Analysts referred to the Russian advance on Avdiivka as the most significant operation undertaken by Russia since "at least January 2023." At the time of the Atlantic Council's analysis, Russia's objective was believed to be encirclement of the town.
Reports of heavy losses began earlier this week, with analysts saying that Russian leadership was "disregarding" their forces' heavy casualties, and pressing on, Reuters reported on October 25.
Despite heavy losses, and the withering morale of Russian troops, the Kremlin persisted, with reportedly catastrophic results.
On the morning of October 28, Newsweek reported that Russian casualty rates are now being estimated at their "highest rate" of 2023 so far, citing two assessments made on October 28.
British defense officials have likewise reportedly estimated that Russia had committed "eight brigades" to the offensive.
As western officials conduct analysis on the Russian casualties, The Kyiv Independent reported that Russia lost "4,000 troops" to the offensive in Avdiivka, citing a phone call with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on October 28, which was streamed on Telegram.
Estimates between Ukraine and United States human and military equipment losses have somewhat varied. The consensus official numbers was a developing story, at the time of this report.
Russian troop morale is vanishing, shrinking over the last few months. Earlier this past week, U.S. defense officials confirmed intelligence that Russian commanders were executing retreating soldiers.