Russia is facing a monthly shortfall of around 6,000 troops in its war in Ukraine, according to Western officials cited in a report by the British newspaper The Guardian.

Officials said Russia is recruiting an average of about 1,000 new soldiers every day, adding roughly 30,000 to 31,000 troops each month. However, Russian forces are reportedly losing around 36,000 personnel per month across different fronts in Ukraine, leaving a monthly deficit of approximately 6,000 troops.

Western officials said the continuing battlefield losses are increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. They believe launching another large-scale military mobilisation could pose political and economic risks for the Kremlin.

One Western official noted that after Russia's last major mobilisation in 2022, a large number of Russian citizens left the country. As a result, Moscow may find it difficult to launch another widespread recruitment drive.

According to the officials, alongside troop shortages on the battlefield, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure. They fear Moscow may attempt to increase pressure on Ukraine by damaging its energy system ahead of the coming winter.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued targeting Russian energy and oil-related facilities. Kyiv has also called on its Western allies to provide more long-range missiles and air defence support.

The war has continued since Russia launched its full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Nearly four and a half years into the conflict, both sides have suffered heavy military losses.