Former MI6 Chief Warns of Heavy Russian Casualties in Ukraine

Former MI6 chief, Sir Richard Moore, has expressed concern over the staggering number of Russian casualties in Ukraine, particularly noting that December 2025 saw a significant toll. Speaking to Sky News, Moore revealed that Russia lost more troops in December alone than during the entire ten-year Soviet-Afghan War from 1979 to 1989, where approximately 20,000 Soviet soldiers were killed.

The former spy chief characterized the losses in Ukraine as “astonishing,” pointing out that the ongoing conflict has claimed over 1.2 million Russian soldiers either killed or severely wounded in less than four years. He indicated that these losses are unprecedented and have placed immense pressure on the Russian military’s capacity to replace its personnel.

In a striking comparison, Moore noted that President Vladimir Putin is making decisions similar to those of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who referred to the Afghan conflict as a “bleeding wound.” Gorbachev viewed the war as a “humiliating mistake,” believing it would be a quick operation. Moore suggested that Putin appears to be underestimating the challenges of the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating, “Despite the astonishing battlefield losses, Putin is more comfortable than he should be.”

NATO Highlights Russian Casualties

Adding to the alarming figures, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte revealed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland that Russia has been losing around 1,000 troops daily in Ukraine, translating to over 30,000 deaths in December alone. Rutte emphasized that these numbers reflect fatalities rather than serious injuries, highlighting the scale of the ongoing conflict.

He stated, “In the 1980s in Afghanistan, the Soviets lost 20,000 in 10 years. Now they lose 30,000 in one month.” This stark contrast underlines the intense nature of the current conflict and raises questions about the sustainability of Russian military efforts in Ukraine.

Moore urged for increased support for Ukraine, advocating for greater pressure on Russia. He stated, “We should be adding more pressure. We should be helping the Ukrainians more extensively than we are. We should be giving them more permissions than we are at the moment.” His call to action reflects a growing sentiment among Western leaders advocating for enhanced military and logistical support for Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community remains focused on the humanitarian and geopolitical implications of the war, while the historical context of military engagements like the Soviet-Afghan War serves as a cautionary tale. The lessons learned from past conflicts may play a crucial role in shaping future responses to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.