White House believes that Russia lost 100,000 soldiers in 5 months in Bakhmut

Reuters writes about it.

Kirby explained that this figure was based on US intelligence estimates.

"Russia has exhausted its military stockpiles and its armed forces," Kirby said.

Since December alone, the White House estimates that the Russian Federation has suffered more than 100,000 casualties, including more than 20,000 killed in action, almost half of whom were soldiers of the Wagner PMC. 

The spokesman also emphasized that while the Russians have achieved some success in Bakhmut, it has come at a "terrible cost" and that Ukraine's defenses in the region remain strong.

"Russia's attempt at a winter offensive in the Donbas largely through Bakhmut has failed. Russia has been unable to seize any strategically significant territory," he emphasized.

Mr. Kirby emphasized in an interview with Newsmax that there is no indication that Russian leader Vladimir Putin cares about the lives lost in the war, both among Russians and Ukrainians. Although Putin realizes that other people in Russia care, as he tries to conceal the real number of the units lost on the battlefield and the ways in which he is restoring his manpower. 

According to Mr Kirby, the export control and sanctions imposed by the US and other countries impinged Putin’s ability to produce war materials, particularly cruise missiles. That is why he is going to Iran to buy drones, to Prigozhin, to North Korea, and to China. Putin needs their support to continue waging the war.

Speaking on the US’ efforts to bring the settlement, Mr Kirby said, “This war could end today if Mr Putin would pull out his troops out. But that’s not going to happen… What we support is a just peace in accordance with President Zelenskyy’s proposal.” He emphasized that if there is going to be a negotiation it should be one that Zelenskyy is comfortable to participate in and under conditions that he is willing to talk and negotiate. 

• The Wagner PMC founder Yevgeny Prigozhin threatens to withdraw his mercenaries from Bakhmut because of their vulnerability to possible Ukrainian counterattacks in Donetsk region.