Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, 52,789 Russian soldiers have been killed, according to open-source research conducted by Mediazona and BBC Russia. The journalists note that the actual figures are likely higher, as their information comes from public sources such as obituaries and posts by relatives. Over 3,400 officers, including 403 of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or higher, have been killed in combat in Ukraine. An attack using long-range ATACMS missiles in the occupied Luhansk Oblast reportedly killed up to 100 Russian soldiers, sparking discussions within the Russian military community regarding the safety of their tactics.
In a joint study with independent Russian media outlet Meduza, Mediazona reported that at least 83,000 Russian soldiers had been killed in Russia’s war. Estimates of Russia’s total casualties since the full-scale invasion vary widely, with President Volodymyr Zelensky claiming in February 2024 that 180,000 Russians had been killed. Zelensky also mentioned that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died, although the exact number is unknown until the occupied territories are liberated. As of May 17, 2024, the Ukrainian military estimates Russian combat losses at 489,870 troops killed, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict.
Over the winter months, Ukraine’s armed forces experienced a critical shortage of artillery shells, primarily due to delays in U.S. military aid. This shortage significantly impacted their ability to engage in combat effectively. However, recent reports from President Zelensky indicate that there are no longer any reports of artillery shortages, marking a positive development in the Ukrainian military’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. The lack of artillery shells had posed a significant challenge for Ukraine, but with this issue resolved, they are better equipped to continue their fight against the invading Russian forces.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in staggering casualties on both sides, with thousands of soldiers from Russia and Ukraine losing their lives in the war. The open-source research conducted by Mediazona and BBC Russia sheds light on the human cost of the conflict, revealing the names of thousands of Russian soldiers who have been killed since the invasion began. The attacks and casualties mentioned in the report highlight the brutal nature of the conflict, with both sides facing significant losses. The involvement of independent media outlets in verifying and reporting on these casualties plays a crucial role in documenting the impact of the war and holding those responsible for the violence to account.
The discrepancy in casualty figures between Ukrainian and Russian sources underscores the challenges in obtaining accurate information in a conflict zone. President Zelensky’s statement regarding the number of Russian casualties and the uncertainty surrounding the exact figures reflects the complexities of reporting on a war where information is often obscured or manipulated for propaganda purposes. The efforts of independent journalists and media outlets like Mediazona and BBC Russia in tracking and verifying casualties provide a valuable source of information amid the fog of war, allowing the public to gain a clearer understanding of the human toll of the conflict. By supporting independent journalism in Ukraine and beyond, individuals can contribute to the fight for transparency and accountability in reporting on critical issues such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to exact a heavy toll on both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers, with thousands losing their lives since the invasion began in February 2022. Through open-source research and independent reporting, media outlets like Mediazona and BBC Russia have played a crucial role in documenting the casualties and shedding light on the human cost of the war. The resolution of artillery shortages for the Ukrainian military marks a positive development in their ability to defend against Russian aggression. By supporting independent journalism in Ukraine and beyond, individuals can help ensure that the true impact of the conflict is brought to light and that accountability is upheld for those responsible for the violence.
