Why Russian losses in Ukraine are surging — again

Russian troop losses in Ukraine are rising as Moscow intensifies attacks around diplomatic talks, including the recent US-Ukraine-Russia meetings in Abu Dhabi. The article says the losses reflect a drive to show battlefield progress and strengthen Russia’s negotiating position, particularly by presenting control of all Donbas as inevitable.

Russia reportedly lost 2,980 troops in one day on 8 November, after October brought its highest monthly personnel losses since the full-scale invasion began. Ukraine’s 1st Azov Corps said around 200 Russian troops were killed daily in the Dobropillia sector in October, attributing the toll partly to rigid orders and unrealistic deadlines. It also said poor weather can hamper Ukrainian drone operations, while the quality and training of Russian troops sent to the front have declined.