Russia is still losing 500 soldiers a day in Ukraine even after reducing its casualties by 30%, UK intel says

• Russia's daily casualties are likely down 30% in April, compared to March, UK intelligence said.
• But Russia is still likely suffering around 500 casualties a day, the UK Ministry of Defence said.
• It comes as Russia is "preparing for anticipated Ukrainian offensive operations," it added.

Russia's daily casualty figures have fallen by around 30%, as it moves to a more defensive posture, but it's still likely losing more than 500 soldiers a day in Ukraine, according to new UK intelligence.

The UK Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Tuesday that Russia's daily average casualty rate likely fell by around 30% in April, compared to March figures.

In March, the country was losing an estimated 776 soldiers a day, which dropped to 568 in April, it said.

Russia does not release its own casualty figures, but the UK MOD pointed to figures released by the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The MOD noted that Russia suffered "exceptionally heavy casualties" between January and March, at a time when it launched its latest offensive in a bid to seize more Ukrainian territory.

But Russia failed to make any significant gains during its campaign, despite suffering heavy losses of equipment and personnel.

US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley told Politico in late February that around 1,200 soldiers had recently been killed in a single day of fighting in the eastern city of Bakhmut, one of the key battlegrounds in the war.

Russia's slowing losses are explained by it moving to a more defensive position ahead of Ukraine's expected counteroffensive efforts, the UK MOD said.

Ukraine is expected to launch its own counteroffensive soon, aided by new weapons from its allies.

"Russia's losses have highly likely reduced as their attempted winter offensive has failed to achieve its objectives, and Russian forces are now focused on preparing for anticipated Ukrainian offensive operations," the MOD said.