By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Zelensky announced record Russian military losses in November and December, attributing the success to recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian military and energy infrastructure. These attacks, including those on Taganrog and Bryansk, demonstrate increasing Ukrainian range and accuracy, pushing Russia closer to ending the war. Intense fighting continues in the Donetsk region, with the Russian army suffering substantial casualties in ongoing assaults. Zelensky specifically praised several Ukrainian brigades for their contributions to these battlefield victories.
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Zelensky: November-December Sees Record Russian Losses in Combat
Let’s start with the sheer scale of reported Russian casualties during November and December. The numbers are staggering, representing a significant blow to their military capabilities. It’s a trend we can only hope continues into the new year, disrupting their plans and potentially shifting the momentum of the conflict decisively. The sheer volume of losses is truly remarkable, exceeding previous counts by a considerable margin.
These aren’t just abstract numbers; they represent the loss of young lives, Russian and possibly North Korean lives. These are individuals who, under different circumstances, might have pursued creative endeavors like writing poetry or gaming—not engaging in the brutal reality of warfare. It highlights the devastating human cost of Putin’s decisions, and the tragedy of lost potential.
The implication of these heavy losses extends beyond immediate battlefield impact. Russia’s demographic situation is precarious, particularly given the significant loss of young men. Their attempts to incentivize early childbirth, offering substantial payments to young women, seem like a desperate measure given the shrinking pool of potential fathers. It’s difficult to see how this strategy will offset the massive loss of human capital caused by the war.
This raises the critical question of Russia’s strategic goals. While territorial gains might seem superficially significant, they come at an unsustainable cost. Even if Russia were to achieve every territorial objective, the long-term consequences are catastrophic. The international isolation, the damaged reputation, the economic strain, and the loss of countless lives all weigh immensely against any marginal territorial benefits. The fact is that from a strategic perspective, this war was likely a disaster from the beginning.
The narrative that Russia is positioning itself favorably for future negotiations is questionable. The high casualties suggest a far more desperate situation than a calculated move. Their reliance on foreign mercenaries—particularly the deployment of North Korean soldiers—underlines their critical need for manpower, suggesting that they are clinging to a winter offensive against their better judgment. It’s a gamble that is costing them dearly.
The anticipation of a Russian winter offensive was widespread, but many underestimated both its intensity and its human cost. There’s a sense that the reality of the situation was badly underestimated, with many observers perhaps prioritizing the weather’s impact and neglecting the potential of an aggressive Russian strategy.
The belief that Russia could sustain this level of warfare indefinitely was also misguided. The necessity for reinforcements from North Korea indicates limitations in their capacity to wage war, as does the high rate of casualties. This underscores a lack of understanding of the actual limits of the Russian military.
The intervention of North Korean troops is a significant development, suggesting a strategic necessity that renders alternative theories somewhat untenable. If the claims about Russia strategically positioning themselves for peace negotiations were true, resorting to foreign troops would be counterintuitive. The deployment of North Korean soldiers directly refutes the notion of a slow-paced winter campaign.
Finally, it’s worth considering the wider geopolitical implications. The war in Ukraine presents an opportunity for a reset of global power dynamics, particularly for the United States. A decisive victory for Ukraine could create an undeniable legacy moment—a chance to bolster European defense capabilities and to dramatically diminish Russia’s long-standing influence. This should be at the forefront of any decision-making process, rather than any short-sighted political interests.