More than 50,000 Russian soldiers have now died in Ukraine, according to research conducted by the BBC. During the second year of active combat, the number of casualties increased by almost a quarter compared to the first year. Experts have suggested this is because more poorly trained recruits are being employed in so-called “meat-grinder” operations. The term "meat grinder" refers to Moscow's tactic of repeatedly sending waves of soldiers to wear down Ukrainian forces and reveal their positions to Russian artillery. The death toll is eight times higher than the only fatality numbers Moscow officially acknowledged in September 2022. The actual number of Russian deaths is likely to far exceed 50,000. The research showed two major spikes in Russian casualties. One was during the battle for the city of Vuhledar, where Russia employed "ineffective frontal assaults” in a human-wave style. Another significant spike was during spring 2023, during the battle for Bakhmut, when the mercenary Wagner group helped Russia capture the city. Prisoners are also crucial to the success of the meat grinder tactic. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/ODNsubs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ondemandnews Twitter: https://twitter.com/ODN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ODN/ If you wish to purchase any of our clips for commercial use, please visit: http://www.itnproductions.co.uk/news/