Real Toll of Russian Deaths from Ukrainian Attack Could be 400

The actual Russian deaths when projectiles fired from HIMARS rockets fell on army barracks on January 1 could be as high as 400 and not 63 as the Kremlin has announced, Ukrainian media reported.

Ukraine’s strikes targeting Russian-occupied Makiivka city may have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of newly-mobilized Russian troops, Kyiv Post reports.

Related news: Some 63 Russian Servicemen Killed in HIMARS Rocket Attack in Ukraine

While Russian defense ministry said 63 troops were killed in the attacks, representing single biggest loss of life acknowledged by the Kremlin since February, sources told the Ukrainian outlet that the real death toll is close to 400.

Former Russian separatist leader Igor Girkin, also known as Igor Strelkov, said the troops, largely consisting of mobilized Russians, were stationed in an unprotected building that was "almost completely" destroyed because ammunition stored on the premises detonated in the strike. He also said "hundreds" had been killed and wounded.

Russian Senate member Grigoriy Karasin called for "an exacting internal analysis" of events, as well as demanding revenge against Ukraine. Lawmaker Sergei Mironov said "all the higher authorities who did not provide the proper level of security" should face criminal charges.