Russia concentrates losses in poor regions: British intelligence on Kremlin's strategy.

According to ТСН: Russia is not involving city dwellers in the war against Ukraine, focusing its main losses on poor and remote regions. This allows the Kremlin to reduce social discontent and maintain support for the war among the urban population.

This data is presented in a report by British intelligence.

The main losses concern ethnic minorities and rural residents, while ethnic Russians from large cities remain relatively safe.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has suffered significant human losses: it is estimated that more than 400,000 people have died or been injured by 2024-2025.

A study by the Project showed that less than 1% of Russian government officials have relatives who participated in the war, indicating low involvement from urban elites.

The Russian authorities actively recruit in poor areas, where ethnic minorities often reside. Financial incentives are used, and mobilization pressure on the politically active urban population is restricted.

Analysts believe that the Russian leadership is prepared to accept high losses in these regions as long as it does not harm support for the war among the public and political elite.

Recall that on the eve of the “direct line” with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 19, Russian prisoners of war addressed the Kremlin's owner through a video appeal. The main question of the occupiers was why Russia does not fulfill the agreements on the exchange of “everyone for everyone” and why they still remain in Ukrainian camps. Heavily injured young people under 25 and “Kadyrovites” from the “Akhmat” unit participated in the appeal.

This approach of the Kremlin to mobilization helps to avoid social tension, as millions of Russians living in cities do not feel the direct impact of the war. At the same time, the situation in poorer regions is becoming increasingly tense, as local residents face the severe consequences of the war, which in turn could fuel social protests in the future.