Russian troop and equipment losses surge in November: monthly analysis

Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko shared his analysis of Russia’s losses, published by Obozrevatel.

Personnel losses  

Russian troop casualties reached a new high of 45,720 in November alone. By the end of the year, 2024's total losses are expected to surpass the combined figures for 2022 and 2023, already amounting to 382,120 within 11 months.  

Equipment losses

• Tanks: With 307 tanks destroyed in November, Russian forces demonstrate restricted use due to limited supply and production issues.  
• Armored vehicles: November recorded 899 lost vehicles, the second-highest figure of the war, driven by frequent mechanized assaults.  
• Artillery: Losses fell to 884 units, marking a rare decline linked to a growing shortage of artillery replacements.  
• Rocket systems: Only nine were destroyed, reflecting severe depletion of available systems. Improvised substitutes are increasingly being used.  
• Air defense systems: November saw 25 destroyed, including high-value radar systems for S-300 and S-400 systems.  
• Transport vehicles: Losses soared to 2,469 as civilian vehicles were pressed into combat roles.  
• Specialized equipment: Destruction fell to 40 units, suggesting a shrinking inventory.  

The Russian occupation command aims to capture Ukrainian territories and set the stage for further offensives before year's end. However, worsening supply issues and high casualty rates across infantry and mechanized units are taking a toll. The analyst suggests these losses are likely to persist through Donald Trump's anticipated inauguration, with expectations that Putin will escalate combat to project strength. Yet, evidence of resource strain could force Russia to scale back offensive operations in the long term, regardless of intent.