Russia faces unprecedented military losses in Ukraine conflict
The UK Ministry of Defence reveals that since the onset of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has incurred the loss of approximately 900,000 soldiers. These represent the most significant losses for the Russian army since the Second World War.
- Russia has lost about 900,000 soldiers since the invasion of Ukraine commenced in February 2022, with between 200,000 to 250,000 of these being fatalities, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
- The Russian command prioritises military objectives over the lives of soldiers, indicating a willingness to tolerate substantial losses as long as public support remains unaffected.
- Army recruitment focuses on ethnic minorities and impoverished regions - highlights the UK Ministry of Defence in its communiqué.
The largest losses since the Second World War
The UK Ministry of Defence reported that since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Russia has lost approximately 900,000 soldiers. Of these, 200,000 to 250,000 have perished. These are the largest losses Russia has faced since the Second World War. The Ministry underscores that the Russian command places higher priority on military objectives over the lives of its soldiers.
Objectives valued over human life
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the Russian authorities are willing to accept high casualty rates, as long as public support for the war — particularly among the elite — remains undiminished. Vladimir Putin and his command seemingly place less importance on the lives of citizens from ethnic minorities and impoverished regions, which influences the recruitment strategy for the army.
Ukraine's losses
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported that more than 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the invasion began.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, published on 4 February 2025, Zelensky stated that the number of injured Ukrainian soldiers is estimated at 390,000.
