Russian Soldiers Last Minutes on Ukraine Front Lines, Bloggers Say

Russian soldiers deployed to specific sections of the Ukraine front lines may have a lifespan of mere minutes, according to a stark assessment by Russian military bloggers. This estimate, cited by Oxford historian Peter Frankopan in a Foreign Policy report, suggests a growing awareness within Russia of the war's devastating human cost, a reality the Kremlin has largely sought to obscure.

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Once Russian soldiers reach certain parts of the front lines of the war in Ukraine, they can expect to live an average of just 20 to 35 minutes

While CBS News has not independently verified the claim, similar accounts are proliferating on Russian military channels. This indicates a widening understanding of the war's toll on Russian forces. Recent estimates from British intelligence suggest Russian war deaths have approached 500,000, with Ukraine's defense ministry reporting over 1.4 million Russian troops killed or wounded.

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More Russians are becoming aware of the war and its toll on their side, a toll Kremlin officials have long sought to shield from view.

The battlefield has become a "kill zone" saturated with drones, accelerating Russian losses. Unable to effectively use heavy artillery, which is easily targeted by inexpensive first-person-view drones, Russia's military has resorted to infiltration tactics. Small groups of soldiers advance on foot or by motorcycle to probe Ukrainian defenses, leading to particularly bloody engagements.

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Drones now account for more than 80% of Russian losses

Ukraine, despite facing its own manpower challenges, has more effectively reduced soldier exposure to danger. They utilize drones for combat, medical evacuations, and logistics, adhering to the principle articulated by Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine's defense industry official: "There is no need to send a human being where the robot can do the job." Some estimates indicate Russia is now losing eight men killed or seriously wounded for every one lost by Ukraine, though Russia's persistent assaults continue to yield some territorial gains in critical areas like the Donetsk region.

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Manpower's been a problem since the end of the summer of 2023 offensive. We've had some cases where infantry have spent more than a year in position with no rotation.