A top Pentagon official says that Russia has had 70,000 to 80,000 troops injured or killed since the country invaded Ukraine back in February.

Russian Special Forces

Colin Kahl, the undersecretary of defense for personnel, disclosed these numbers during a press conference. Kahl said “There’s a lot of fog in war but, you know, I think it’s safe to suggest that the Russians have probably taken 70,000 to 80,000 casualties in less than six months. That [Russian casualty] number might be a little lower, a little higher, but I think that’s kind of in the ballpark, which is pretty remarkable considering that the Russians have achieved none of Vladimir Putin’s objectives at the beginning of the war.”

Colin Kahl

When asked how many Ukrainian soldiers have died, Kahl could not give a definitive answer, but added losses are “significant” on both sides. Previously, an aid to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine loses an average of 200 soldiers a day.

Ukrainian Special Forces

When asked how many Ukrainian soldiers have died, Kahl could not give a definitive answer, but added losses are “significant” on both sides. Previously, an aid to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine loses an average of 200 soldiers a day.

Kahl’s remarks come after the Ukrainian Armed Forces General staff claimed Russia had lost 42,200 troops since the war broke out.