Russian Media Investigates 3,000 Casualties After Mobilization Order
It has been confirmed that Russian soldiers deployed in the Ukraine war die on average after 4.5 months of combat.
On the 21st (local time), the American news weekly Newsweek reported this citing reports from the Russian investigative media Important Stories and the nonprofit investigative group Conflict Intelligence Team (hereafter 'CIT').
These organizations analyzed death cases related to about 300,000 newly conscripted soldiers following the partial mobilization order issued by Russian authorities on September 21 last year. Approximately 3,000 Russian military fatalities investigated were confirmed through media reports, official announcements, and mentions by relatives.
As a result of the analysis, more than half of those enlisted under the mobilization order were found to have died in less than five months on average after being deployed to the front lines. Additionally, about one-fifth of publicly confirmed fatalities did not survive even two months on the battlefield.
More than half of those conscripted under the partial mobilization order who died were aged 30 to 45. About one-third were in their 20s, and one-tenth were under 25. The youngest fatality was 19 years old, and the oldest was 62. The youngest fatality, Anton Getman from the Rostov region of Russia, reportedly re-enlisted just three months after completing his military service and died in November 2022. Newsweek also reported that only four of the identified fatalities survived more than 11 months.
The report also included information that Russian soldiers are unable to take proper rest due to not receiving leave. Important Stories and CIT stated, "Many conscripted soldiers complain that despite serving for 11 months, they have never been able to return home," adding, "Once mobilized, they cannot refuse to fight, and the level of criminal punishment for desertion is being increased." They further explained, "The reason Russia does not grant leave to soldiers is the fear that only half of those who go on leave would return."
In Russia, mentioning the scale of military fatalities can lead to punishment under the Russian military defamation prevention law. Because of this, the exact number of fatalities is unknown, and the number publicly acknowledged by Russian authorities is only about 6,000.
However, on the 19th, Newsweek reported citing the Russian independent news outlet Verstka that Russian military fatalities could reach up to 230,000. This outlet cited data posted on the Russian state procurement portal indicating that the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection ordered 230,000 certificates for families of deceased retired soldiers.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
