Russian Offensive Hampered by Losses, Western Officials Say

President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, right, attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin Wall on Feb. 23.

Photographer: Maxim Shipenkov/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Mounting Russian casualties are likely to hinder President Vladimir Putin’s ability to launch a large-scale offensive against Ukraine in the coming months, according to Western officials.

Russia’s battlefield losses have exceeded recruitment for three straight months, pointing to a trend that may factor into Putin’s calculus in orchestrating a potential military surge in the spring or summer months, the officials said on condition of anonymity.