Russia has suffered significant casualties in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with more than half a million troops lost since the start of the war. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported that Russian forces had lost 1,140 troops on the previous day, marking the 12th consecutive day with casualties exceeding 1,000. The daily tally of troop losses has been steadily increasing, especially in areas where Russian momentum has been strong. The total number of losses since February 24, 2022, reached a grim milestone of 500,080, according to Ukraine’s estimates.
It is challenging to accurately determine Russian casualties, as both sides tend to inflate the other’s reported losses. Moscow has not updated its figure since September 2022, when it stated that the death toll was 5,937. The estimates provided by Ukraine are consistent with those of its allies, with figures from France suggesting 500,000 Russian military losses, including 150,000 deaths. The U.K. estimates over 450,000 Russian losses, with tens of thousands deserting. A U.S. intelligence report from December 2023 put Russian losses at 315,000, representing 90 percent of its pre-invasion force. An ongoing investigation by Mediazona and BBC Russia has confirmed the deaths of 54,185 Russian soldiers, although the actual number is believed to be higher.
Despite the significant losses, more than 100,000 men signed contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry in the first three months of 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in December 2023 providing compensation to the families of soldiers killed in the war, reflecting the high cost that his troops have paid. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to take a toll on both sides, with casualties mounting as Russia launches new offensives in northeastern Ukraine. Experts caution that the figures provided by both sides may not be entirely accurate, but they do offer insight into the scale of the conflict and its impact on the military forces involved.
The war in Ukraine has entered its third year, with no clear end in sight as both sides continue to engage in fierce fighting. Ukrainian soldiers have been defending their territory against Russian forces, with casualties on both sides rising as the conflict intensifies. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with Western experts providing estimates and analysis of the ongoing war. The toll on Russian troops underscores the heavy price that has been paid for Putin’s military campaign, with losses mounting and the conflict showing no signs of abating.
