Several reports citing publicly available data have recently mentioned that Russia has lost more than 900 special forces troops, paratroopers, marines and pilots in over six months of the war in Ukraine.
The deaths of such troops are in specifically problematic for the Russian Armed Forces because they are very costly to replace.
According to reports, around 337 marines have been killed since the beginning of the invasion on February 24, while the National Guard’s special forces and riot police lost 245 soldiers, Russia’s military intelligence lost 151 troops, elite paratrooper unit saw 144 members killed & the Federal Security Service (FSB) as well as Federal Guards Service (FSO) together suffered 20 deaths.
The majority of the dead were officers.
As per reports, around 67 combat pilots, including navigators and mechanics.
Moreover, it can take up to 17 years and costs $14 million to train a military pilot.
Several local media reports have made the information about the Russian military deaths, but alerted that incomplete disclosure means that Russia’s real casualty figures-including those of elite armies-are likely to be significantly higher.
The Defense Ministry of Russia has last updated its casualty numbers at 1,531 in the month of March.
Western defence officials estimate that upwards of 80,000 Russian soldiers have been killed and wounded since the start of the invasion.