” Thought it was 600.”
More likely. There’s reports of trucks leaving the scene piled high with the dead bodies of Russians.
It probably was 600 or maybe even 700. The number repeatedly quoted by Russian sources remains at 63. So many were killed they had to make some much smaller admission. With that number “killed” the death toll would certainly have to be revised upward as some seriously injured died. I have seen before and after videos/photos of this School #10 which was a technical college. It was a large, square, modern 3 story building, standing in a large empty area (as shown by aerial photo) probably parking lot. The remains are total rubble with almost NO large remnants. Much more ruin than a single or even 2 HIMARs could cause.
Apparently a large number of soldiers were gathered to listen to Putin’s New Years address. Under then large amounts of ammunition and other explosives were stored. It is possible other soldiers were in their rooms/beds in the school, as photos did NOT indicate any barracks buildings near this large school. It is said officers were celebrating elsewhere. Russia also reports 4 HIMARs arrived and two were blocked. At least one HIMAR penetrated to the stored explosives—result horror. No doubt deliberately timed to celebrate Comrade Putin’s victory speech.
My vote is to believe 400 killed and perhaps as many as 300 injured. When I saw the wreckage video, many were reported still buried in the ruins, although no rescue digging was shown. Perhaps death was presumed because of the totality of the disintegration. How nice to have allies at hand to forward intelligence, verbally and in photos. Given how well Russia treats it’s own troops, I imagine they are doing a great job of winning friends and influencing people (to get rid of as many Russians as possible).