Proper first aid could likely have stopped up to 50% of Russian frontline deaths, MOD reports

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) says it is likely up to 50% of Russian combat fatalities were preventable, had proper first aid been administered.

Russia is "almost certainly" struggling with a "crisis" of medical provision on the frontlines, it added.

In a UK intelligence update, the MOD said Russian forces are suffering an average of around 400 casualties a day for 17 months.

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The MOD explained: "Very slow casualty evacuation, combined with the inappropriate use of the crude in-service Russian combat tourniquet, is reportedly a leading cause of preventable fatalities and amputations."

The number of military casualties has "likely undermined" the provision of some civilian medical services in Russia, it added, particularly in border regions near Ukraine.

Many dedicated military hospitals are "being reserved" for officer casualties, the MOD said.