**Russia’s Military Suffers Devastating Losses in Ukraine**
Internal documents obtained by a Ukrainian project have revealed the extent of Russia’s military losses in eastern Ukraine. The “I Want to Live” project, launched by Ukraine’s military intelligence last year, has been helping Russian soldiers surrender themselves or their units to the Ukrainian army.
According to the leaked documents, Russia’s 41st Combined Arms Army, which is fighting in Donetsk Oblast near the city of Pokrovsk, has suffered catastrophic losses. As of June 1, at least 8,625 troops from this army have been killed in combat, 10,491 are listed as missing in action, and another 7,846 have deserted.
The worst-hit unit is the 74th Motor Rifle Brigade from Kemerovo Oblast in Siberia, which has lost over 2,400 soldiers, more than double its original size of around 3,500 troops. Other brigades, such as the 35th and 55th, also show similar figures.
The documents also reveal that desertion rates remain high, with a significant number of soldiers fleeing their units in recent weeks. On May 31 alone, 42 soldiers deserted, while over the course of one week, 175 did so, nearly half the size of a typical battalion.
One of the most disturbing aspects of these losses is the use of “V companies,” which are penal assault units made up of former prisoners. These units are used as cannon fodder and have been responsible for many of the casualties.
While the Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims, they highlight the devastating toll that Russia’s war in Ukraine has taken on its military.
**Commentary**
The revelations from the “I Want to Live” project serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The losses suffered by the 41st Combined Arms Army are staggering and suggest that the Russian military is struggling to maintain momentum in eastern Ukraine.
These documents also shed light on the use of former prisoners in combat roles, which raises serious questions about the treatment and welfare of these soldiers. The fact that they are being used as cannon fodder highlights the cynicism and disregard for human life that characterizes Russia’s military strategy.
**Analysis**
The losses suffered by the 41st Combined Arms Army have significant implications for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. A military formation of this size and composition is critical to the Russian army’s ability to project power and maintain control over occupied territories.
The desertion rates and high casualty figures suggest that morale among Russian soldiers is low, and they are increasingly questioning the justification for their involvement in the conflict. This could have a ripple effect on other units and undermine Russia’s overall military strategy.
In conclusion, the leaked documents from the “I Want to Live” project paint a bleak picture of Russia’s military situation in Ukraine. The human cost of this war continues to rise, and it is essential that the international community remains vigilant and supportive of Ukraine as it navigates these challenging times.
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