The White House warned on Thursday (Oct. 26) that Russia is executing soldiers who are refusing to follow orders related to the battle with Ukraine and that Moscow’s forces are suffering “significant” losses of armor and personnel. In the meantime, the US has unveiled a new $150 million military support package for Ukraine. “We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who are refusing to follow orders,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters during a briefing.
The military of Russia appears to be using what we would call human wave tactics
He added, “We also have information that Russian commanders are threatening to execute entire units if they seek to retreat from Ukrainian artillery fire.” However, the White House official did not provide any additional information regarding the purported executions or how the US received the information. This comes as Russia has increased attacks in the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk area and the northeastern city of Kupyansk in recent weeks, in what is seen as a new offensive by Russian forces in an attempt to move the front line forward before winter. The White House official also said that Moscow has witnessed “significant losses” in the new offensive, losing at least 125 armored vehicles and “thousands” of casualties.
“The Russian military appears to be using what we would call human wave tactics,” said Kirby, adding that it is “unsurprising that Russian forces are suffering from poor morale.” The New York Times reported in August, citing US authorities, that the number of Ukrainian and Russian forces dead or wounded since the conflict in Ukraine began in February 2022 was approaching 500,000. However, officials cautioned that the figure is only an estimate owing to a lack of official information. On Thursday, Washington also unveiled a new military aid package for Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, air defense missiles, night vision devices, demolition munitions, and cold-weather clothing.
This comes as hardline Republicans have put future assistance for Kyiv in doubt
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Washington that it was escalating the crisis and making a mistake by supplying Kyiv with missiles that would not change the tactical situation and could be repulsed. During the briefing, Kirby also reiterated that the US will continue to assist the Ukrainian people in their self-defense as long as Russia’s “brutal assault” on Ukraine continues.
The current installment, according to the Pentagon, “utilizes assistance previously authorized for Ukraine during prior fiscal years.” “The Biden administration calls on Congress to meet its commitment to the people of Ukraine by passing additional funding to ensure Ukraine continues to have what it needs to defend itself against Russia’s brutal war of choice,” said the Pentagon in a statement. This comes as hardline Republicans have put future assistance for Kyiv in doubt, and the government is relying on previously approved aid.