As for the war on the Eastern Front, Hitler says: “Because of the Italian catastrophe, I had to send a total of 24 divisions [emphasis added] to the Mediterranean area, which required me to take first-line soldiers from the Eastern Front and also other troops who could have been sent to the East. Also, I now have to look out for the future and keep powerful forces in reserve.” Hitler then tells Oshima that his fighting retreat in Russia has cost the Russians 3.5 million casualties.
