Ex-MI6 Chief: Putin's War Relies on China, With Russian Military Losses Reaching 415,000.

Russian Army Suffers Critical Losses

According to TSN.ua: Richard Moore, the former head of the UK's MI6 intelligence service, has highlighted the severe casualties sustained by the Russian military and underscored the crucial role of Chinese support for Russia in its war against Ukraine. He noted that at the start of the full-scale invasion, Western assessments significantly overestimated the combat effectiveness of Russian forces.

Moore stated that over the past year, Russia has lost approximately 415,000 military personnel, either killed or wounded. In December 2025 alone, around 30,000 Russian troops were killed. He further pointed out that Russian army casualties by the end of 2025 reached historic peaks, indicating profound issues with its combat capabilities.

'That's as many as they lost in the ten-year campaign in Afghanistan,' remarked Richard Moore.

China's Role in the Conflict

Assessing China's involvement, he emphasized that Beijing's backing is critically important for the Kremlin's war effort.

'I am absolutely convinced that Putin would have lost already were it not for the support he has secured from China,' added Richard Moore.

This situation underscores the pivotal role of international support and technological supply chains in modern warfare. The war in Ukraine has become a major test of geopolitical alliances and industrial capacity. While Chinese assistance significantly impacts the regional military balance, the staggering losses suffered by Russian troops point to the enduring challenges Moscow faces. These factors are likely to shape the future course of the conflict and the international dynamics surrounding it.