United States: Russia has suffered 100,000 casualties in Ukraine over 5 months

On Monday, the White House estimated that the Russian army has suffered '100,000' casualties in the Bakhmut region of Ukraine over the past five months. John Kirby, the National Security Council's Coordinator for Strategic Communications, cited U.S. intelligence estimates, stating that 'more than 20,000 Russian soldiers' have been killed during this period, with 'half of them belonging to the Wagner military group,' which includes released prisoners participating in the war. Kirby said, 'Russia's attempt to attack Donbas through Bakhmut has largely failed.' He also added that Russia has made some advancements in Bakhmut, but these advancements have come at a 'terrible cost,' and 'Ukrainian defenses in the area remain strong.' Kirby noted, 'Russia has exhausted its military reserves and armed forces, and since December alone, we estimate that Russia has suffered over 100,000 casualties, including more than 20,000 killed in action, nearly half of whom were Wagner soldiers.' He added, 'These numbers are truly astonishing.' The National Security Council's Coordinator for Strategic Communications also promised that another U.S. arms package for Ukraine would be announced 'soon.' Bakhmut, Ukraine, is a key transportation hub in the Donetsk region and has been the site of the fiercest battles in recent months, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Russian missile attacks on Ukraine left 34 injured. The Ukrainian army stated: 'The supply route to Bakhmut is under our control.' Destruction of tens of thousands of tons of Russian fuel in a drone attack; Ukraine: 'God has punished.' Dozens of 'failed attacks' by Russia over 24 hours in Ukraine; Zelensky wanted to fight 'to the death.' Vladimir Putin signed a decree increasing the punishment for the charge of 'treason.'