Half Russian separatist force in Ukraine 'dead or wounded' - BBC News

[TexasTowelie]

Russian and Russian-backed separatist forces in the Donetsk region of Ukraine have suffered heavy casualties, according to UK intelligence officials.

They estimate the Donetsk militia alone has lost 55% of its original force.

UK military intelligence said Russia was very likely aiming to deploy a large number of reserve units to Ukraine's eastern Donbas, which is made up of Donetsk and Luhansk.

[Lovie777]

1. Russia is trying to get Balarus' arm forces involved . . .

[Cracklin Charlie]

2. 55% seems like a lot.

All for nothing.

[mitch96]

3. Another interesting prospective on Russian losses.... or are the all russian?

[Vogon_Glory]

4. Putin getting rid of post-war opponents

I suspect that Putin is trying to not only get rid of any pro-Ukraine opponents, but also to kill off any problematic ethnic Russians in the occupied areas by tossing them in the meat-grinder. If the Russians keep Donetsk, the militia won’t cause Russian government forces any trouble because they’ll be dead.