A joint effort by independent media organizations has revealed that the number of confirmed Russian military deaths in the war in Ukraine has reached 225,019. Since the last update, 3,813 new names have been added to the list.
According to the data included in the investigation, confirmed losses include more than 82,400 volunteers, about 25,400 soldiers taken from prisons, and 19,000 mobilized personnel. It was also confirmed that 7,226 officers have died.
The journalists conducting the investigation noted that the actual number is likely higher. The study used only publicly available sources, including death notices, posts from relatives, regional media reports, and statements from local officials.
The Toll Continues to Rise
The report recalled that Russia has not disclosed its losses since the start of the war. However, independent Western assessments have concluded that Russian losses significantly exceed those of Ukraine.
A January report from the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated Russian losses to be approximately two to 2.5 times higher than Ukraine’s. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated that the ratio of Russian to Ukrainian losses is around "one to five or one to six."
Anne Keast-Butler, head of the UK’s intelligence, cyber, and security agency, said on May 27 that Russia has lost about 500,000 soldiers in the war in Ukraine. Early May estimates by Mediazona and Meduza suggested that since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, between 352,000 and 590,000 Russian men aged 18 to 59 have died.
Recent Developments in the War
The report emphasized that the latest loss estimates come at a time when Ukraine has regained the advantage on the front lines in recent months. It noted that Kyiv’s forces reclaimed about 100 square kilometers more territory than they lost in May.
As of June 12, the Ukrainian General Staff announced that Russia has lost approximately 1,380,120 soldiers in Ukraine since February 22, 2022. However, this figure includes dead, wounded, missing, and captured personnel without detailed breakdowns.
In February, Zelenskyy said at least 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died in the war. Mutual loss reports and independent lists have reignited discussions about the human cost of the conflict.
