Media: Russia Has Suffered Staggering Losses

• 17.08.2026, 6:00

A "Black" July for Putin.

July 2026 was one of the bloodiest months for the Russian army since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine. Russian troops suffered massive losses on the front lines, while Kyiv achieved its most significant territorial gains in over a year, according to The New York Post.

According to the publication, Russia’s combat and non-combat casualties in July totaled 42,860—the highest figure since January 2025 and the fourth-highest monthly toll since 2022.

Experts estimate the Russian army’s total losses at nearly 1.5 million, and the problem of replenishing its ranks with new recruits is becoming increasingly acute for Vladimir Putin. As the NYP notes, the shortage of manpower could eventually force the Russian leader to enter into peace talks.

The publication also points out that in recent months, the Kremlin has been forced to lure compatriots to the front lines with false promises of “easy service,” as well as to recruit citizens of African countries using similar schemes.

At the same time, Ukraine reports having liberated approximately 780 square kilometers of territory in the south—26 settlements along the contact line have returned to full Ukrainian control.