UK: Russia deploys 65% of all its ground forces in Ukraine

UK Defense Minister Ben Wallace has said the British government believes Russia has lost approximately 15,000 soldiers since Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24. By contrast, Ukraine has claimed 22,000 Russian troops were killed since the invasion.

Wallace added Russia deployed 120 tactical battalion groups during the invasion of Ukraine, amounting to 65% of Russia's total infantry units. Wallace said at least 25% of Russia's ground forces are no longer combat-ready, Deutsche Welle reports.

Russia has acknowledged only 1,351 military deaths.

Additionally, Wallace said the UK believes Russia lost 60 jets and helicopters, 2,000 armoured vehicles and 530 tanks, saying they were either destroyed or captured, some by Ukrainian tractors.

Ukraine has stated Russian losses of materiel at 181 fighter jets and 154 helicopters, 2,258 military vehicles and 884 tanks.

The UK defence secretary said his country would soon send "a small number" of Stormer armoured vehicles equipped with missile launchers.