20,000 Russian troops allegedly killed in Bakhmut -US report

Following moves by the Kremlin to capture Bakhmut, one of the major cities in Ukraine has led to the deaths of over 20,000 Russian soldiers since December 2022.

In November, it was gathered that a Ukrainian soldier fired towards Russian positions outside Bakhmut, killing more Russian reservists.

According to US estimates, more than 20,000 Russian soldiers had been killed in fighting in Ukraine since December 2022.

The National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, citing newly declassified intelligence, about 80,000 Russian soldiers had been wounded, adding that Half of the dead are from the Wagner mercenary company, who had been attacking the eastern Bakhmut city.

It would be recalled that Russia had been trying to capture the small city since last year in a grinding war of attrition.

However, Moscow currently holds most of Bakhmut, but Ukrainian troops still control a small portion of the city in the west. The fierce battle had taken on huge symbolic importance for both sides.

Ukrainian officials have also said they are using the battle to kill as many of Russia’s troops as possible and wear down its reserves.

“Russia’s attempt at an offensive in the Donbas [region] largely through Bakhmut has failed,” Mr Kirby told reporters. “Russia has been unable to seize any real strategic and significant territory.

“We estimate that Russia has suffered more than 100,000 casualties, including over 20,000 killed in action,” he said.

Sources: BBC News.