In a recent statement, Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, the commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, reported that Russian troop losses in January 2023 surpassed the number of soldiers Russia managed to recruit or mobilize. With approximately 22,000 personnel recruited or mobilized during the month, the verified Russian losses reached 30,618, leading to a net negative balance of 8,618 troops. This development raises significant questions about Russia's ability to sustain its military operations amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Brovdi's assessment highlights critical strategic aspects of the manpower balance between the two nations. The Kremlin has avoided a full mobilization strategy, aiming instead to sustain the war effort through contract recruitment and financial incentives. This approach comes after the political fallout experienced from the 2022 draft, which was met with widespread dissent. The ability of Russia to maintain operational capacity while managing public opinion becomes increasingly precarious as reported losses continue to be high.

This situation is not unique to January; it reflects a trend observed in December 2025, where Russian recruitment also fell short against reported losses. During that month, 27,400 contract soldiers were added, but losses were significantly higher at 33,200. The Kyiv Independent notes that it could not independently verify Brovdi's figures, but highlights the ongoing predictions regarding the state and sustainability of Russian military capabilities.