Mediazona, a Russian independent media outlet, along with BBC Russia, have confirmed the names of 50,471 Russian soldiers who have been killed since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since their last update in late March, they have added the names of 1,190 more Russian soldiers to the list of casualties. The journalists believe that the actual number of casualties may be much higher than what they have verified so far, as the information comes from public sources such as obituaries, posts by relatives, regional media news, and reports from local authorities. They estimate that the true figure may exceed 100,000. Additionally, their Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analyst teams have observed a significant depletion in Russia’s inventory of military equipment like tanks, APCs, BMPs, and artillery in recent weeks. Over 3,300 officers, including 390 of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or higher, have been killed in combat in Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine claimed in February 2024 that 180,000 Russians had been killed in the war with Ukraine. He also mentioned that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had lost their lives as well. Zelensky states that the exact number of casualties is still unknown and can only be determined once the territories occupied by Russia are liberated. In recent developments on April 19, Ukraine downed a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber for the first time, according to its Air Force. Russian attacks in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast resulted in the death of 8 individuals, including children, and left over 30 injured. At a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting, Secretary-General Stoltenberg announced that allies have pledged to provide more air defense systems to Ukraine. The Netherlands has allocated funds for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has taken a significant toll on both Russian and Ukrainian forces, with thousands of soldiers losing their lives in combat. The exact number of casualties remains elusive, with varying figures reported by different sources. Mediazona and BBC Russia’s efforts to verify the names of Russian soldiers killed in the conflict shed light on the human cost of the war. The confirmation of over 50,000 names and the observation of depleted military equipment indicate the intensity of the fighting and the scale of the losses on the Russian side.
President Zelensky’s assertion of 180,000 Russian casualties highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on both sides. The uncertainty surrounding the true number of casualties underscores the challenges in reporting and verifying information in a war zone. The downing of a Russian bomber and the civilian casualties in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast serve as grim reminders of the violence and suffering endured by civilians caught in the crossfire. International support, such as NATO’s pledge to provide additional air defense systems, is critical in aiding Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the need for independent journalism to report on the conflict and hold all parties accountable becomes increasingly vital. Media outlets like Mediazona and BBC Russia play a crucial role in documenting the human cost of the war and providing a comprehensive overview of the situation on the ground. The dedication of journalists to verify information and track developments in the conflict zone contributes to a better understanding of the complexities of the conflict and its impact on the people involved. By supporting independent journalism in Ukraine, individuals can contribute to the wider effort to uphold transparency and truth in the midst of a volatile and escalating conflict. Joining the fight for independent journalism in Ukraine is a way to ensure that the voices of those affected by the war are heard and their stories are told with accuracy and integrity.
