Russia Reveals It Has 600,000 Troops in Ukraine (And Losses are Massive)

Story by Georgia Gilholy

Key Points - Russia's combat casualties in Ukraine have reportedly surpassed the one million mark, according to figures released by Ukraine's General Staff. This "grisly milestone," which includes an estimated 250,000 Russian dead, is a testament to Ukraine's stubborn defense and Russia's brutal "meat assault" tactics.

-Despite the staggering human cost and immense economic strain from military spending, Moscow has so far been able to replenish its ranks through lucrative volunteer contracts.

-However, the numbers reveal a grim reality: Russia is paying an exorbitant price in lives and treasure for minimal territorial gains, making its war effort increasingly unsustainable.

Russia's Ukraine War Losses are Brutal

Speaking to CNN this week Russian Ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin. revealed that “about 600,000” Russian soldiers are currently in Ukraine.

While Kelin attempted to downplay Ukrainian claims that Russian casualties have exceeded one million, his figures undermine that very narrative.

Ukrainian sniper reportedly breaks world record with 13,000-foot kill shot against Russian forces: report

Story by Sophia Compton

A Ukrainian sniper unit on Thursday reportedly broke the world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, eliminating Russian troops from a distance of more than 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).

The shot, fired by a Ukrainian-produced rifle and aided by artificial intelligence and drone guidance, left two Russian soldiers dead in the area of Pokrovsk, Ukraine, the Kyiv Post reported.

"The record-breaking shot was made on Aug. 14, 2025, using artificial intelligence under the guidance of [an unmanned aerial vehicle] complex with a 14.5 mm alligator rifle," said military journalist Yuri Butusov, according to the Kyiv Post.

World’s Largest Gas Plant Hit By Long Range Ukrainian Drone—$18B Burned In Minutes

Story by Ava J

Before dawn on October 18, 2025, Ukraine launched one of its longest-range drone strikes yet—igniting a fire at Russia’s Orenburg gas processing plant, the largest of its kind worldwide. Locals described the horizon glowing orange as flames engulfed the site.

Emergency crews had contained the blaze by sunrise, but operations were halted. The damage was severe enough to silence one of Gazprom’s crown jewels.

Governor Confirms “Significant Infrastructure Damage”

Orenburg governor Yevgeny Solntsev told Russia’s TASS agency the blaze began in one of the plant’s main workshops after a drone strike. “It’s an emergency situation,” he said, adding that while there were no casualties, “significant infrastructure damage” was confirmed.

Firefighters worked through the night as smoke drifted for miles, an image that quickly spread across Russian social media.

Ukraine Takes Responsibility for the Attack

Ukraine’s General Staff claimed responsibility hours later, saying it targeted the Orenburg facility and the Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery in Samara. Both are key to Russia’s energy exports.

“Fuel keeps the war alive,” a Ukrainian military source told Reuters. “Cut the fuel, and you weaken the war machine.” Kyiv framed the operation as part of a campaign to cripple Moscow’s logistics.