Leaked video reveals Russian official's dilemma: More soldiers needed despite high casualties

A leaked video shows Alexander Avdonin, head of military recruitment in Russia's Republic of Sakha, admitting that soldiers are dying in large numbers in Ukraine. Avdonin stated that he would face repercussions if he didn't send more troops to fight, as his region had recruited the lowest number of volunteers in Russia's Far Eastern Military District. He called on officials to send 15 soldiers a week from each district to meet the quota. The Kremlin has struggled with mobilization efforts, and approximately 120,000 Russian soldiers have died since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.