Russian forces struggle as losses mount in February

Ukrainian military and political observer Oleksandr Kovalenko analyzed Russia's military loses, as published by Obozrevatel.

Personnel losses

Russia lost 36,570 troops in February, the lowest since August 2024 but still a significant number. Even with reduced intensity, losses remain high due to understaffed units and supply shortages, observer notes. The losses per captured territory reached 190 soldiers per km², up from 128 in 2024.

Tank & armored vehicle losses

Russian forces lost 331 tanks, consistent with recent trends. However, reserves are dwindling. By 2025, Russia’s last major tank reserves may be empty, leading to a supply catastrophe, the analysis says. 596 armored vehicles were also destroyed, with Russia relying on outdated Soviet stockpiles to compensate.

Artillery & MLRS losses

Heavy reliance on artillery due to tank shortages led to 1,415 lost artillery pieces and 38 MLRS units. Lacking proper fire support, Russian forces are leaning on artillery, despite its inferiority to Ukrainian systems, observer explains.

Air defense & vehicle losses

Russia lost 38 air defense systems, an expected figure, as Ukraine continues targeting these assets. However, vehicle losses set a new record at 3,472, with Russian forces increasingly using civilian trucks in combat. Shortages of tanks and armored vehicles have turned supply trucks into makeshift assault vehicles, Kovalenko notes.

Russia faces mounting losses while trying to project strength, the observer concludes. "It’s hard to hide equipment shortages when the front lines are filled with Nivas and Zhigulis instead of tanks," he remarks. With resources shrinking, the pace of Russian offensives is expected to slow further in the coming months.