Russia's Ukraine war faces mounting casualties and economic strain, European spy chief warns

Kaupo Rosin, head of Estonia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, told CNN that the window for Russia to achieve a favorable outcome in its war against Ukraine is closing. He said Russian forces have been advancing only about 70 metres per day and are now stalled, while losses are estimated at 15,000‑20,000 soldiers each month, most caused by drone attacks.

Rosin highlighted a mix of military, economic and societal pressures: Western sanctions, a shrinking economy that now forecasts just 0.4 % growth, and the public backlash to the September 2022 partial mobilization. He warned that any large‑scale forced mobilization would heighten Kremlin instability, even as Russia considers it the only way to capture the remaining Donbas territory.

The analysis underscores how Ukraine’s improving drone‑interceptor capabilities and Russia’s internal challenges are shaping the conflict’s future trajectory.