US officials estimate 7,000 Russian troops dead in Ukraine

US intelligence estimates over 7,000 Russian troops have been killed in Ukraine in only three weeks of fighting.

At least three generals are among the dead.

Between 14,000 and 21,000 soldiers are estimated injured.

The staggering toll, called a “conservative” estimate, will likely start to prevent some Russian units from carrying out necessary operations in combat, The New York Times reports.

When a single unit reaches a 10% casualty rate, including dead and wounded, it has trouble functioning, the Pentagon says. Morale, unit cohesion and situational awareness all drop with heavy losses.

A recent Pentagon report about Russia’s plummeting morale described troops parking their vehicles and deserting into the woods, the report says.

Ukraine’s casualty estimates for the Russians are far higher, and the Kremlin’s figures are much lower.

Around 150,000 Russian troops are involved in the fighting.