The Kyiv Independent reports that recent statistics indicate that Russian forces experienced higher casualties than recruitment figures in January. Ukrainian authorities state that approximately 22,000 soldiers were recruited during that month, while confirmed losses stood at an alarming 30,618. This results in a negative manpower balance of 8,618 soldiers for January alone. Such losses highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Russia in sustaining its military capacity amid the ongoing conflict.

Additionally, it was noted that this trend persisted from December, where Russia recruited about 27,400 contract soldiers while suffering about 33,200 confirmed losses. Robert «Magyar» Brovdi, chief of Ukraine's unmanned systems forces, provided these figures and emphasized the role of intelligence and drone forces in Ukraine's defense strategy against the Russian invasion. Brovdi is a significant figure, having been awarded the Hero of Ukraine medal by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2025 for his contributions to the defense efforts.

While The Kyiv Independent has not verified these casualty figures, Eirik Løkke, an advisor at Civita, suggests that the numbers are likely accurate, reflecting the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on Russian military personnel. The implications of these losses may further expose vulnerabilities within Russian military operations and contribute to the growing challenges the country faces in its military endeavors in Ukraine. As the war progresses, such dynamics could inform future strategic decisions on both sides.