Russia’s monthly troops deficit reaches 6,000, report says

Western intelligence assessments cited by The Guardian say Russia is losing roughly 6,000 more troops each month in Ukraine than it can recruit, despite signing up about 1,000 people a day. A source says Putin has responded by escalating strikes on civilian infrastructure, citing over 360 missiles fired since early July aimed partly at breaking morale ahead of winter.

Officials note that a full mobilization carries political risk: about 1 million Russians left the country after the 2022 call-up, and fewer than half have returned. Meanwhile Ukraine continues striking Russian oil facilities, worsening domestic fuel shortages, while Kyiv presses allies for more air defense and offensive missiles.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.