Putin "Halting Deployment of Conscripts and Reservists to Ukraine Frontline"

Concerns Over Public Sentiment Worsening... "Only Professional Soldiers Participate"
Ukraine: "Russian Military Deaths Exceed 10,000"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that conscripts and reservists will no longer be deployed to the Ukrainian front lines due to concerns over worsening public sentiment caused by the increasing casualties among Russian troops. While the Russian Ministry of Defense has yet to release an accurate casualty count, it is estimated that more than 10,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine.

According to Russian news agency TASS on the 8th (local time), President Putin stated in a speech commemorating International Women's Day broadcast on state television, "Currently, professional soldiers are leading the war in Ukraine to achieve our objectives," and emphasized, "No additional conscripts or reservists will be sent into combat." He further explained, "The military objectives will be accomplished solely by professional soldiers," adding, "They will effectively ensure the safety and peace of the Russian people."

President Putin's direct declaration not to deploy conscripts or reservists in military operations is interpreted as a measure taken in response to the recent deterioration of public sentiment due to the significant increase in casualties among ordinary conscripted soldiers mobilized for the Ukraine invasion.

Previously, the Ukrainian government announced that it estimates Russian military deaths have exceeded 10,000. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense has not disclosed accurate casualty figures since reporting 498 deaths on the 2nd. As a result, public sentiment within Russia has worsened drastically, and anti-war opinions are reportedly growing.

In the West, including the United States, alongside worsening public sentiment and the Ukrainian invasion war failing to break the stalemate, there is speculation that the Putin regime may operate large-scale foreign mercenary forces. CNN, citing U.S. Department of Defense officials, analyzed, "Russia has already deployed nearly all the troops it gathered for the Ukraine invasion to the front lines but has been unable to break the deadlock," and "Especially as Russian forces have stalled on the northern front lines, including the capital Kyiv and northeastern Kharkiv, Russia is attempting to recruit mercenaries from Syria, where there is extensive urban warfare experience and civil war background."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.