The United States estimates that more than 7,000 Russian soldiers died three weeks after the invasion of Ukraine.

The US intelligence agency estimates that more than 7,000 Russian soldiers were killed in the three weeks following the invasion of Ukraine. This exceeds the number of US military personnel who lost their lives in the war between Iraq and Afghanistan.

The New York newspaper had access to data from US intelligence agencies, which considers the figures of 7,000 deaths among the ranks of the Russian army to be conservative.

Casualties will have a negative impact on the effectiveness of Russian troops, including those fighting tanks, US officials told the New York Times.

Pentagon officials told the newspaper that when 10% of the military members were killed or injured, the unit could no longer carry out combat actions.

At present, more than 150,000 Russian soldiers are participating in the invasion of Ukraine, with 14,000 to 21,000 injured, which may mean that most combat units are minimal, the New York Times reported.

In addition, the Russian army lost at least three generals on the battlefield, Russian, Ukrainian and NATO officials told a daily newspaper.

According to the International Migration Organization, Russia began an invasion of Ukraine on February 24, starting bombing major cities, including the capital, resulting in civilian deaths and more than 3 million refugees, which are not yet known.

In a last-minute statement on Wednesday, President Volodimir Zelensky highlighted the losses the Russian army is experiencing, and the soldiers dispatched by Vladimir Putin did not suffer so much “in Syria, Chechnya and Afghanistan”. The President stressed that “Russian mothers will lose more children than the war in Afghanistan and Chechnya combined.”

The Ukrainian leader incited the Russian army to “return home” “Put your arms down, it's better than dying on the battlefield,” he said.

Later, in an interview with the American network NBC, he warned that Russia had already crossed the “all red line” by bombing civilians and that World War III could begin.

Zelensky stressed that “it is the case of deliberately launching these missiles in kindergartens, schools or universities that cross all lines.” “What else should I expect? Would you like the Russians to kill 200, 300 or 400 children?” He added.

(Including information from EFE)

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