Russian soldier’s life expectancy down to 20-35 minutes on Ukraine frontlines: Report – Firstpost

The average life expectancy of a Russian soldier on the front lines in Ukraine is just 20-35 minutes, according to Russian war bloggers.

Russian investigative outlet Astra reported that military bloggers claim the average survival time of a Russian soldier on the front line has fallen to just 20-35 minutes and that the Russian military is deploying soldiers to combat zones with only 10-21 days of training.

The reports come at a time when Russian leader Vladimir Putin is said to be considering ordering a fresh round of mobilisation to replenish the ranks amid mounting casualties. The Telegraph has reported that Russia has recently suffered up to 30,000 fatalities a month.

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While Russia’s larger population has allowed it to replenish its ranks throughout the four-year war, the continued loss of territory in recent months, Ukrainian strikes deep inside the country that have battered critical infrastructure and supply lines, a rise in casualties, and a worsening economy have complicated the situation. Analysts have said a fresh mobilisation may be necessary because of Russia’s poor performance in the war, but it could also prove unpopular.

A war blogger known as Veteran’s Notes reported that a mobilisation is expected by autumn if no peace deal is reached.

But can Russia reverse its losses through mobilisation?

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has noted that a fresh mobilisation is unlikely to change the situation on the battlefield unless Russia finds a way to counter Ukraine’s ongoing campaign of drone strikes deep inside the country.

In recent months, Ukraine has not only targeted Russia’s energy infrastructure but has also struck arms manufacturing facilities, factories producing critical machinery, and supply chains. This has affected not only energy security and revenues but also Russia’s war-fighting capacity.

Astra noted that war bloggers are increasingly arguing that, while the first cohort of around 300,000 Russian soldiers sustained the war effort for two to three years, another wave of troops is now needed because many from that initial cohort are exhausted, retired, or dead.