Russian military losses in Ukraine reach WWII levels
The UK Ministry of Defence reveals that since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has lost about 900,000 soldiers. These represent the largest losses for the Russian army since World War II.
- Russia has lost about 900,000 soldiers since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, of which 200,000 to 250,000 have died, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
- The Russian command prioritizes military goals over the lives of soldiers, indicating a willingness to tolerate high losses as long as it does not affect public support.
- Recruitment for the army focuses on ethnic minorities and impoverished regions, highlights the UK Ministry of Defence in its communiqué.
The largest losses since World War II
The UK Ministry of Defence reported that since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has lost about 900,000 soldiers. Out of this number, 200,000 to 250,000 are fatalities. These are the largest losses Russia has suffered since World War II. The Defence Ministry highlights that the Russian command prioritizes military objectives over the lives of its soldiers.
Goals above human life
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the Russian authorities are ready to tolerate high casualty rates, as long as it does not negatively impact public support for the war, especially among the elite. Vladimir Putin and his command likely place less value on the lives of citizens from ethnic minorities and impoverished regions, affecting the method of recruitment into the army.
Ukraine's losses
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the beginning of the invasion.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, published on 4 February 2025, Zelensky added that the number of injured Ukrainian soldiers is estimated at 390,000.
