The Russian military faces over 108,000 losses amid a tactical shift
According to the latest data, over 108,000 Russian soldiers have died due to the conflict in Ukraine. Among the casualties are over 5,000 officers, highlighting the substantial losses among the command. Simultaneously, media reports indicate a noticeable change in tactics within Putin's army.
Key information
- 108,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine.
- Over 5,000 officers are among the casualties.
- The data comes from research by the BBC and Mediazona.
According to a report prepared by the BBC and Mediazona, by mid-May 2025, the deaths of 108,608 Russian soldiers in Ukraine were confirmed. Among them are over 5,000 officers, including 10 generals and 524 colonels and lieutenant colonels.
As reported by the website "Meduza," at the beginning of the conflict, officers accounted for as much as 20% of all losses, but over time their share has decreased to 2-3%. The change is due to a new tactic that focuses on protecting experienced military personnel and the mass recruitment of volunteers who are more frequently killed on the front line.
Every fourth confirmed deceased soldier signed a contract with the Russian army after the war began. This shows how intensely Russia is recruiting new soldiers to compensate for losses at the front.
Journalists gathered the data from the BBC and Mediazona with the support of volunteers. Since the beginning of the invasion, they have been monitoring reports of the deaths of Russian soldiers in the media, on government websites, and social media. The calculations do not account for losses from the Luhansk People's Republic and the Donetsk People's Republic.
However, it is worth noting, adds Meduza, that actual losses may be higher because not all cases are reported publicly.
Earlier this year, Donald Trump stated that Russia should care about peace because it is experiencing significant losses. He mentioned that up to a million people might have died or been injured on Putin's side. According to him, the Ukrainian side might have lost 600,000 - 700,000 soldiers.
