British intelligence services predict that the trend of increasing military casualties will continue into January 2025 due to ongoing Russian assaults on multiple fronts.

As early 2025 unfolds, analysts expect that Russian forces will likely continue to sustain heavy losses as infantry assaults persist.

In total, Russian forces ended 2024 with nearly 430,000 dead or wounded, marking the highest annual toll since the invasion began.

These casualty figures, while alarming, cannot be independently verified as both sides withhold detailed information on losses.

Cumulatively, Russian military losses since the start of the war are estimated at around 790,000, a significant increase from approximately 253,000 casualties reported in 2023.

Despite these heavy losses, Russia has managed to capture nearly 3,600 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2024, an area larger than Saarland.

However, the sustainability of this tactic is in question, particularly given the significant human cost and ongoing recruitment challenges.

The invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, with Russia justifying its actions as a means to protect pro-Russian separatist minorities and to 'denazify' the country.

December 2024 marked the deadliest month for Russian forces, with reported casualties reaching 48,670, continuing a trend of increasing losses since mid-2024.

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides, with large-scale Russian airstrikes targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

In response to high casualty rates, Russia has resorted to recruiting soldiers from abroad, including prisoners offered freedom for combat service and enlistments from African nations and North Korea.

This recruitment strategy is part of what is known as the 'meat grinder tactic,' which relies on overwhelming enemy positions through sheer numbers rather than superior firepower.