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| Norwegian Military Commander Says 180,000 Russian Soldiers Killed or Wounded in Ukraine |
Oslo - Norwegian military chief General Eirik Kristoffersen says around 180,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured in Ukraine so far. Meanwhile, the figure for Ukraine is 100,000 military casualties and 30,000 civilian deaths.
The estimated number of war casualties was released by General Kristoffersen on Sunday. "Russian losses are starting to approach around 180,000 soldiers killed or wounded," he said in an interview with TV2, without elaborating how the figure was calculated.
Norway, a country bordering Russia, has been a member of NATO since its founding in 1949. "Ukraine's losses may be over 100,000 killed or wounded. In addition, Ukraine has about 30,000 civilians who died in this terrible war," added the Norwegian general. that, as quoted by AFP, Monday (23/1/2023).
Moscow and Kiev have not provided reliable reports of their losses for months. In November, General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Military, said more than 100,000 Russian troops were killed or wounded. According to him, the same number also suffered from the Ukrainian side.
The figures cannot be independently verified. "Despite heavy losses, Russia can continue (this war) for quite a long time," Kristoffersen said, citing Moscow's mobilization and weapons production capacities. "The most worrying thing is whether Ukraine will be able to keep the Russian Air Force out of the war," he added.
"So far they have been able to do so thanks to the Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses." Most of Russia's attacks in recent months have been carried out by long-range missiles. The Norwegian general also called for the rapid delivery of battle tanks to Ukraine, which have so far been held up mainly by Germany. "If they are going to attack in winter, they (Ukraine) need it fast," Kristoffersen added.
Despite urgent requests from Ukraine and several European countries, Berlin on Friday refused to supply Kiev with Leopard tanks. These heavy tanks were present in the ranks of several other European countries, including Norway, but their delivery to Ukraine was theoretically subject to Germany's green light.