Russia recruiting retired soldiers: UK
11 Apr 2022 14:06:28
Moscow, Apr 11: The Russian army's losses are so high the Kremlin has resorted to recruiting soldiers that have been retired for a decade.
At least 15,000 Russian troops have been killed in Ukraine, with a total 40,000 wounded, dead or captured since the Russian invasion began on February 24.
Intelligence from Britain's Ministry of Defence said Ukraine has killed so many of Putin's soldiers that Moscow is scrambling for extra troops. The Kremlin has even started to recruit from Russian-occupied Transnistria, in Moldova. Britain's Ministry of Defence said: 'In response to mounting losses, the Russian armed forces seek to bolster troop numbers with personnel discharged from military service since 2012. 'Efforts to generate more fighting power also include trying to recruit from the unrecognised Transnistria region of Moldova.' Ukraine has put Russia's death toll higher at 20,000 and the Kremlin's top spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, admitted last week there were 'significant losses' that were 'a tragedy for us'. Russian troops have been pulling out of Kyiv in recent days as Moscow turns its gaze to the east of Ukraine, which traditionally has more pro-separatists living there. It could be an attempt by Putin to have a battlefield win before May 9 so he can celebrate it on Russia's annual Victory Day parade in Moscow.
On Sunday, President Zelensky, accused Russia of cowardice and warned Ukrainians in the east of the country to expect Russia to wage 'even larger operations'. He said: 'They can use even more missiles against us, even more air bombs. 'But we are preparing for their actions. We will respond. They say about the murders in Bucha that it is not them, but allegedly us. 'Do you know why this is so? Because it's cowardice.' He added: 'They are afraid to admit that Russia's entire policy toward Ukraine has been erroneous for decades.' 'They deprived themselves of any political tools and, unwilling to give up unrealistic ambitions, started this war.' 'It all came from cowardice. When cowardice grows, it turns into a catastrophe. 'When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologise, adapt to reality, learn, they turn into monsters. 'And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them. 'Ukraine will stop all this.' Meanwhile, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhaylo Podolyak told national television that 'Ukraine is ready for big battles' against Russian forces.