U.K. Defense Ministry: Thousands of Russian troops likely killed during assault on Avdiivka since start of October

Since the start of October, Russian forces have likely lost thousands of troops during the offensive on Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, the U.K. Defense Ministry reported in its daily briefing on the situation in Ukraine.

“It is plausible that Russia has suffered several thousand personnel casualties around [Avdiivka] since the start of October 2023. Russia’s leadership continues to demonstrate a willingness to accept heavy personnel losses for marginal territorial gains,” reads the update.

According to U.K. intelligence, Russia has likely lost around 200 armored vehicles during the assault on Avdiivka, leading them to switch to infantry-based assaults.