Russia is becoming increasingly dependent on foreign mercenaries in its war against Ukraine as its forces suffer higher casualties than can be offset by domestic recruitment efforts.
According to Bloomberg, citing British Defense Secretary John Healy, the Kremlin is being forced to rely on thousands of foreign fighters. This shift comes after Ukrainian Minister Mykhailo Fedorov informed European counterparts that Kyiv managed to inflict more casualties on Russian forces over the past two months than Moscow was able to mobilize.
The geography of recruitment is extensive, with Russia drawing recruits from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Cuba, Nigeria, and Senegal. "They are often recruited under false pretenses and coerced under pressure, not necessarily understanding they are destined for the Russian meat grinder on the front lines in Ukraine," Healy emphasized. He also estimated the number of North Korean troops involved in the war on Russia's side at approximately 17,000.
Mounting losses are challenging the Kremlin's narrative regarding the inevitability of a Russian victory. Bloomberg reports that in January alone, Russia lost 9,000 more soldiers on the battlefield than it was able to recruit. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky cited a figure of 30,000 Russian military fatalities in the first month of the year. "Putin does not care now, but there is a level at which he will start to worry," the Ukrainian leader noted.
Western officials estimate that total Russian casualties—both killed and wounded—have exceeded 1.2 million since the start of the invasion. In 2024, Russia likely lost 415,000 personnel, with the casualty rate reaching 1,130 people per day in December.
John Healy also provided striking statistics on casualty ratios, stating that in some sectors of the front, the ratio has risen to 25 Russian casualties for every one Ukrainian soldier. "This is an important reminder for all of us that Ukraine is under enormous pressure from Russia... but they are winning back certain territory and some towns," the British Defense Secretary concluded.
Previously, Senator Lindsey Graham reminded Donald Trump about the potential for providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and imposing "hellish" tariffs on Putin's accomplices.