Mediazona and BBC Russia have confirmed the names of 72,899 Russian soldiers who have been killed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with 1,842 names added since late-September. The actual number of casualties is likely higher, as the information comes from public sources such as obituaries and statements from local authorities. The average age of volunteer recruits killed in action in 2024 is increasing, with a significant number falling between the ages of 48 and 50. Over 4,100 officers have been killed in combat in Ukraine, and at least 13,438 Russian inmates have also been killed on the eastern front. Recruitment from predominantly Muslim regions like Bashkortostan and Tatarstan has increased in recent months, leading to higher casualties.
Recent heavy losses for Russian forces have been experienced during the renewed Kharkiv offensive and Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast. A report published by Russian media outlets in July estimated that around 120,000 Russian troops have been killed since the invasion began, a number that is likely higher at present. As of August 12, 2024, Ukrainian military estimates put Russian combat losses at 667,630 troops, including those killed, injured, captured, and missing in action. President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to unveil a “victory plan” for Ukraine in the coming days, according to Presidential Office advisor Mykhailo Podolyak.
Mediazona’s analysis indicates that the majority of Russian soldiers killed in action come from regions like Rostov, Sverdlovsk, Bashkiria, Chelyabinsk oblasts, and the Buryatia republic. The surge in recruitment from Bashkortostan and Tatarstan has also led to an increase in casualties in recent months. Russian forces have faced some of their heaviest losses during the recent military operations in Ukraine. The journalists note that the numbers reported are likely an underestimation, as they are based on publicly available information and may not capture the full extent of casualties. The trend of older volunteer recruits being killed in action highlights the changing demographics of Russian soldiers involved in the conflict.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in a significant number of casualties on both sides, with thousands of Russian soldiers and officers being killed in combat. The Russian military’s losses in Ukraine have steadily increased since the start of the full-scale invasion. The impact of the war is felt not only in terms of lives lost but also in the geopolitical and humanitarian consequences it has brought about. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in military operations that result in further casualties. The significance of the conflict is underscored by the increasing number of casualties and the lasting effects it will have on the region.
As the war in Ukraine rages on, the toll on both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers continues to rise. The conflict has had far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of casualties but also in terms of the broader implications for international relations and security. The ongoing conflict has highlighted the challenges of modern warfare and the human cost of political and military decisions. The names and stories of those who have lost their lives in the conflict serve as a grim reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of geopolitical interests. The conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved, with peace seemingly distant as both sides continue to engage in hostilities that result in further casualties.
