According to an independent tally by the BBC’s Russian service and the Mediazona news website, over 70,000 Russian soldiers have been confirmed killed in Ukraine since the Kremlin launched its invasion over two and a half years ago. The two outlets have been verifying the number of Russian troops killed using open-source information like official statements, newspaper obituaries, and social media posts. The latest death toll update shows a shift in the demographic profile of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, with one in five of the dead signing a contract with the Russian army or Rosgvardia after the war started, and more than half not being affiliated with the military before Feb. 24, 2022.
In 2022, the average Russian soldier killed in Ukraine was a 21-year-old contract serviceman in elite units like Special Forces, Airborne Forces, or the Marines. However, the report now indicates that those dying in the conflict tend to be men in their 40s, 50s, or even 60s, often lacking combat experience or specialized training. The study found a steady rise in casualties among volunteers since October 2023, coinciding with a renewed Russian offensive in the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, while losses among mobilized troops and prisoners have remained steady. Bashkortostan has reported the highest confirmed losses, with 2,775 deaths, while the Nenets Autonomous District has the lowest, with 55 residents confirmed killed.
Russia has lost a significant number of officers in Ukraine, with 4,104 officers, including seven generals, confirmed killed. Among the fallen are 458 high-ranking officers, including lieutenant colonels and above, and 1,142 elite command specialists. The BBC estimates that their count only covers 45% to 65% of the actual death toll, suggesting that the real number of Russian military deaths could range from 107,864 to 155,804. The tally does not include fighters from the self-proclaimed Luhansk or Donetsk People’s Republics of occupied eastern Ukraine, with the BBC estimating the fighter death toll from there at between 21,000 and 23,500.
The Russian Defense Ministry last updated its official death toll for the war in Ukraine in September 2022, placing the figure at fewer than 6,000 killed. The discrepancy between the official figure and the independent tally by the BBC’s Russian service and Mediazona news website indicates a significant underestimation by the Russian government. The report sheds light on the true extent of Russian military casualties in Ukraine, providing a more accurate account of the human cost of the conflict. The data also highlights the evolving nature of the conflict, with shifts in the demographic profile of Russian soldiers killed and changes in casualty trends over time.
Overall, the independent tally reveals the heavy toll that the war in Ukraine has taken on Russian forces, with tens of thousands of soldiers confirmed killed since the invasion began. The findings underscore the challenges faced by Russian troops in the conflict and the significant losses suffered by the Russian military. The data also points to discrepancies between official figures and independent assessments, highlighting the importance of transparency and accurate reporting in understanding the true impact of the war in Ukraine. Ultimately, the report provides valuable insights into the human cost of the conflict and the ongoing challenges faced by Russian forces in the region.
