According to the White House, Russia has suffered more than 100,000 casualties, including over 20,000 deaths, in Ukraine since December. These numbers, based on downgraded intelligence, include nearly 50% soldiers from Wagner Group, a private military company heavily involved in the fight for Bakhmut in Eastern Ukraine. These numbers signify that Russia has "exhausted" its military stockpiles and armed forces, according to a White House National Security Council spokesman. Ukrainian casualties were not provided by the White House. John Kirby, spokesman for the NSC, attributed high death rates among Wagner Group troops to a lack of combat training and leadership. Many of the Wagner Group members were ex-convicts released to fight in the war. Kirby also dismissed the comments of Wagner leader Prigozhin, who claimed that the group had suffered only 94 casualties, as "a ludicrous claim." The battle for Bakhmut has been the longest and bloodiest battle since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with hostilities largely concentrated around the city.