NATO chief says Russia losing 1,000 soldiers a day in Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that in December, Russian forces were losing around 1,000 soldiers per day in the conflict with Ukraine — referring specifically to those killed, not wounded.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Rutte said, “yes, it is true, the Russians have lost in December 1000 people dead – not seriously wounded, dead – a day. That's over 30,000 in the month of December. In the 1980s in Afghanistan, the Soviets lost 20,000 in 10 years. Now they lose 30,000 in one month.”

Rutte also highlighted the ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, noting the severe winter conditions in Kyiv and that the country can currently meet only around 60% of its electricity needs.

He added that €90 billion in aid from the European Commission “will only be there in March, April, May, whenever,” indicating that it will take time to reach Ukraine.

The NATO chief also warned that Ukraine lacks sufficient interceptors and American weapons, as most of the supplies in Europe have already been allocated.

Rutte concluded by stressing that, despite European attention on Greenland, the primary focus should remain on Ukraine: “ [...] this focus in Ukraine should be our number one priority, and then we can discuss on all the issues, including Greenland. But it should be Ukraine first because it is crucial for our European and US security.”

By Vugar Khalilov