A Kyiv Independent article by Jimmy Rushton reports that Russian losses in Ukraine are surging again, with October 2026 the deadliest month since the full-scale invasion began and a record 2,980 troops lost in a single day on November 8. The article ties the surge to a pattern Moscow has repeated before diplomatic efforts like the Abu Dhabi talks, citing the 1st Azov Corps on inflexible "take-by-date" orders around Dobropillia and Dr. Jade McGlynn on past offensive-then-negotiate timing, and notes drones cause about 80% of casualties on both sides.