Estonian intelligence: Russia could lose up to 40,000 troops in Ukraine this October

This was reported by Janek Kesselmann, the deputy head of the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre, according to ERR.

Kesselmann said that Russia spares no manpower, throwing troops into battle. Estonian intelligence estimates that October is likely to be one of the months with the highest losses for Russia.

“Their advance has been fueled by heavy bombardment, including mortar attacks, drones, and indiscriminate fire. This strategy involves what we call ‘dirty attacks,’ where Russia cynically wastes its troops. We estimate that about 40,000 troops will be lost this month,” he said.

He also noted that the Russian army is conducting an average of 178 attacks per day along the entire frontline, with intensity peaking at 210 attacks over the last weekend. The main focus of these attacks has been on the towns of Selydove and Kurakhove in the Pokrovsk sector of the Donetsk region. 

“Based on available information, we can see that Russian units have made some advances in the area between these two settlements,” Kesselmann added.

• As of Friday, October 25, the total number of combat engagements on the frontline has risen to 125, with the toughest fighting occurring in the Pokrovsk sector.