NATO Warns Young Russians About Combat Risks in Ukraine

A senior official from NATO cautioned young Russians on Wednesday about the dangers of joining the military in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized that involvement in Russia’s invasion could lead to their deaths on the battlefield.

During his visit to Kiev, Rutte remarked on the “absolutely alarming” losses the Kremlin is facing, highlighting that newcomers risk becoming part of the more than 30,000 Russian soldiers killed each month.

“You are being sold a bad deal,” he stated, directly addressing young Russians. Rutte noted that those entering combat often lack proper training, and the equipment provided to them is subpar.

“There’s a very high chance you will die or get seriously injured,” he warned. “And if you are injured, the likelihood of dying painfully in the mud is also high.”

To emphasize the gravity of the situation, Rutte compared Russia’s monthly losses to the Soviet Union’s entire toll over a decade in Afghanistan, saying, “It’s not abstract. That’s probably you.”

Critics have frequently pointed out that Russia’s “meat-grinder tactics” in the ongoing war have been ineffective, especially as Ukraine has adapted and fortified its defenses in the Donetsk region. As a result, the Kremlin has struggled to secure meaningful territorial gains for more than a year.

According to the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, these tactics could be costing Russia approximately 35,000 soldiers each month as they project similar figures into 2026.

A study by CSIS estimates about 1.2 million Russian soldiers have been killed, wounded, or reported missing since the war began and continues to escalate. With casualties rising, the Kremlin is turning to foreign recruits, with Ukrainian intelligence suggesting plans to enlist around 18,500 soldiers from other nations in 2026.