In a recent interview, former MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore revealed startling estimates regarding Russian military losses in Ukraine, asserting that approximately 30,000 Russian soldiers were killed in December 2025. This figure is nearly double the total Soviet casualties throughout the decade-long Soviet-Afghan war, which saw around 15,000 Soviet deaths. Moore characterized these losses as 'astonishing,' indicating significant challenges for Russia to replenish its military forces, especially under the current war conditions where sustained losses could impact Russia's overall strategic capabilities.

Moore emphasized that the scale of these losses implies that Russian forces may continue to perform poorly on the battlefield as they struggle with logistical and personnel challenges. He pointed out that, despite the high casualty figures, Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to maintain a level of comfort that may be unjustifiable given the magnitude of losses suffered. Moore's commentary suggests that there may be a disconnect between the realities on the ground and the Kremlin's public narrative regarding the war.

In conclusion, Moore urged Western nations to increase their support for Ukraine, suggesting that more pressure should be applied to Russia in light of the ongoing humanitarian and military crisis. The high casualty rates among Russian troops could be an opportunity for allies to reassess their strategies in aiding Ukraine, as they contend with the ramifications of ongoing military engagements reminiscent of past conflicts, specifically the Soviet Union’s experience in Afghanistan.