Russian assaults on Avdiivka have caused a 90% increase in enemy casualties – British intelligence

Recent Russian assaults in Avdiivka have contributed to a 90% increase in Russian casualties, says the British intelligence, citing its own morning report. 

Since February 2022, Russia has significantly increased its enlistment and recruitment of mercenaries, which is a major factor in its ability to sustain the war.

Russia has suffered nearly 300,000 casualties since its invasion of Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence said up to 190,000 of those had either been killed or "permanently wounded."

Once those classified as temporarily wounded – meaning they have recovered from their injuries and can return to the battlefield – are included, the total number of Russian casualties is between 240,000 and 290,000.

Meanwhile, Russian forces are continuing their attempts to capture the city of Avdiivka, which has been in raging battles for nearly nine years of aggression.

Due to the escalation, the supply of humanitarian aid to the city has been suspended, but the reserves will last for three months.

ISW military analysts say the first Russian offensive in Avdiivka on October 10 resulted in significant losses of the equipment. However, the Russian troops regrouped and launched another offensive.

As of October 21, Ukrainian forces have eliminated almost 1,000 more troops, bringing the total losses since the beginning of the full-scale war to about 294,000 soldiers.