Russia Suffers Huge Losses in the Battlefront Amid Its Offensive in Eastern Ukraine, Open-Source Researchers Suggest

Russia's path in its struggle against Ukraine has not been smooth by any measure. The country is facing issues both inside and outside the battlefield. The latest problem for the Russian authorities is the army suffering one loss after another in terms of both equipment and manpower, Business Insider reported. As per the latest estimates by open-source researchers, the country has lost nearly 2,000 armored vehicles, tanks, and heavy equipment during its latest offensive in Eastern Ukraine. 

Advancements in Ukraine

Russia occupied Avdiivka, a longtime Ukraine stronghold in February, Business Insider reported. According to British Intelligence, this campaign led to "some of the highest Russian casualty rates of the war so far." The losses have only catapulted as the Russian army has made its way into the western Donetsk region. Despite the equipment and life losses undertaken by the army during the campaign, Russia has yet to make solid tactical gains through these advancements. They are nowhere near key Ukrainian areas, making analysts worried about the investment they have made in the campaign. 

Loss of tanks

Open-source researchers believe that 539 Russian tanks have been destroyed in this campaign, Business Insider reported. 70% of these losses were reportedly a direct result of Ukraine's attacks. Ukraine has benefitted from these losses, as they have used the opportunity to recapture and repair the lost tanks and use them for their objectives. During September, Russian forces lost close to 25 tanks, equivalent to two battalions' worth of mechanized equipment, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

Loss of Combat vehicles

Russia has allegedly lost close to 1,000 armored fighting vehicles and infantry mobility vehicles during the offensive, according to open-source researchers, Business Insider reported. Most of these losses came during their campaign in Pokrovsk. Russian military went into the campaign with 1,020 armored vehicles, of which 835 were destroyed by Ukrainian forces. The destruction was accompanied by the potential loss of manpower, as every fighting vehicle could carry three soldiers. Experts believe that the actual losses could be even higher, as open-source researchers base their estimates on publically available images. It is possible that authorities have not released pictures showing the full extent of destruction brought on by the military attacks. 

Destruction of Multiple Launch Rocket System

Russia's Multiple Launch Rocket System has also suffered a huge blow amidst the Eastern Ukraine offensive, Business Insider reported. MLRS aids Russian authorities in carrying out rocket attacks against Ukrainian defenses. Russian military used the system to great benefit in its assault against a Ukrainian stronghold near the frontline town of Chasiv Yar, located about six miles west of Bakhmut. The assault's objective was to destroy ammunition as well as equipment storage sites and isolate the enemy's reserve forces. During the entire campaign, Russia has lost 22 MPS systems in total. 

Artillery Demolition

Russia lost 11 towed artillery and 51 self-propelled artillery systems during its attack in Eastern Ukraine, Business Insider reported. In the bigger picture, the artillery losses have not made a huge difference, because Russia is miles ahead in that aspect compared to Ukraine. Moreover, Ukraine's attempt at restocking its artillery supplies has not experienced much success. A top US general reportedly claimed that Russia's artillery advantage over Ukraine is projected to double in the coming times.