“Russian losses are starting to approach around 180,000 dead or wounded soldiers,” Norwegian Chief of Staff Eirik Kristoffersen told TV2 in an interview, without specifying the origin of these figures. “Ukrainian losses could be more than 100,000 dead or wounded. In addition there are about 30,000 civilians in Ukraine who died in this terrible war,” the Norwegian general added.
Russia and Ukraine have not given credible accounts of their losses for months. In November, US military chief Mark Mille said the Russian military had more than 100,000 dead or wounded, with “probably” a similar number on the Ukrainian side. These figures cannot be independently verified.
Germany refuses to deliver its Panther tanks to Ukraine
Despite its heavy losses, “Russia can continue (this war) for a long time,” Norway’s chief of staff also confirmed on Sunday, citing Moscow’s mobilization and weapons production capabilities. “What’s more worrying is whether Ukraine can keep the Russian air force out of the war thanks to Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses”.
The Norwegian general called for a quick supply of battle tanks to Ukraine, which has so far been blocked mainly by Germany. “If they have to go on the offensive in the winter, they will need it soon,” Eirik Kristoffersen told TV2. Berlin refused to hand over its Panther tanks to Kyiv on Friday, despite urgent appeals from Ukraine and several European countries.
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