On Tuesday, Vladimir Putin hosted Russia’s annual Victory Day parade, commemorating 78 years since the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. However, this year’s parade was noticeably scaled-down compared to previous years. Instead of the extravagant displays of military hardware, there were only 8,000 troops participating, the lowest number since 2008. Even last year, during the Covid-19 pandemic, there were more soldiers involved.
The parade did not include a fly-over of military jets and showcased a solitary T-34 tank from the Second World War, instead of the advanced T-90 and T-14 Armata tanks seen in previous years. This lack of military hardware on display is a direct result of Russia’s losses in Ukraine. Since the incursion into Ukraine, Putin’s forces have seen thousands of tanks and heavy armored vehicles destroyed by the Ukrainian forces. While the exact number is unknown, conservative estimates suggest that Russia has lost over 10,000 pieces of military equipment.
Looking at the situation in Ukraine, where Russia’s forces are stretched across a 600-mile front line, it becomes evident why there has been such a significant loss. Russia’s forces have suffered unprecedented casualties since the invasion began on February 24, 2022. Not only have they lost tens of thousands of soldiers, but their military vehicles, including tanks, transport vehicles, trucks, artillery, helicopters, and jets, have been destroyed by the Ukrainian forces.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, the estimated number of Russian hardware losses exceeds 25,000, including 3,745 tanks and 7,295 armored combat vehicles. Additionally, Russia has lost over 3,000 artillery pieces, more than 500 multiple launch rocket systems, over 300 air defense systems, 308 military jets, 294 helicopters, and 2,636 drones. The destruction extends to warships and boats, with 18 vessels being destroyed, including the Moskva, Russia’s former Black Sea flagship.
These losses are a result of Russia’s miscalculation and the resilience of Ukraine’s defense. Despite Russia’s overwhelming numerical advantage, Ukraine has managed to hold its ground and inflict heavy losses on the invading forces. Satellite images prior to the invasion showed a massive buildup of Russian forces at Ukraine’s borders, causing concern among analysts. However, the Russian forces’ failure to achieve a swift victory became apparent as Ukraine fought back, resulting in the destruction of numerous Russian tanks, armored vehicles, and aircraft.
According to the Oryx military blog, Russia has lost nearly 6,000 general military vehicles, trucks, and special equipment. The actual number of losses is likely higher, as the blog only includes those with photographic or videographic evidence. The blog provides a detailed account of Russia’s losses, confirming the destruction of 72 aircraft, 84 helicopters, and over 1,100 tanks. The captured vehicles include hundreds of T-72 tanks, the most common model used by both Ukraine and Russia.
Overall, Russia’s military losses in Ukraine have been substantial and have severely weakened their forces. Despite Russia’s attempts to downplay these losses, even the most conservative estimates indicate a significant toll. The reduction in military hardware displayed during the Victory Day parade is a clear reflection of this. As Ukraine prepares for a counter-offensive, Russia’s military commanders face a challenging situation with limited resources at their disposal.
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