Russian President Vladimir Putin at the monument in front of the Grave of Fallen Soldiers in Moscow. SPUTNIK | Reuters
It also factors in the mishandling of weapons during training and road accidents as causes of some deaths.
UK military intelligence estimated that a “significant” number of Russian victims in the war in Ukraine were caused by factors not directly related to the fighting, such as alcohol abuse or colds, Europa Press reported.
In its latest assessment of the development of the conflict, published this Saturday, the British Ministry of Defense estimates that Russia has suffered “up to 200,000 casualties” – that is, dead or injured – of which a “significant minority” is due to this class of factors. The British Ministry of Defense bases its information on a “Russian news channel on Telegram” that talks about “an exceptionally large number of incidents, crimes and deaths” among Russian ranks “due to alcohol consumption”.
Among other additional reasons, the Ministry of Defense cites “hypothermia, poor handling of weapons during training and traffic accidents” on Russian supply routes. “Russian commanders are likely to identify widespread alcohol abuse as particularly detrimental to combat effectiveness”according to the British Ministry of Defence.
“However, since excessive alcohol consumption is widespread in a large part of Russian society, it has long been considered a tacitly accepted part of military life, even in combat operations,” the Ministry concludes.
Source: La Vozde Galicia
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
