Ukraine news latest — Putin sends more troops to die in ‘meat grinder’ war after Russia ‘fails’ its winter offensive

VLADIMIR Putin has sent tens of thousands of soldiers to die in his ‘meat grinder’ battle for Bakhmut, despite ‘failing’ at several attempts to capture the war-ravaged city during a winter offensive. US intelligence officials estimated over 20,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, and a further 80,000 injured in only five months of fighting even though Moscow was already facing heavy losses in its invasion of Ukraine Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said in a statement: “Despite the significant losses of the enemy, new assault groups of Wagner, fighters of other private companies and paratroopers are constantly rushing into battle. But the enemy fails to take control of the city. In some parts of the city, the enemy was counterattacked by our units and left some positions.” White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday that “since December, we estimate that Russia has suffered more than 100,000 casualties, including over 20,000 killed in action. Russia’s attempt at a winter offensive in the Donbas largely through Bakhmut has failed.” Kirby added that Russia’s casualties have come at an even quicker rate than during the brutal first days of Putin’s war. Read our Ukraine war blog below for the latest news…