Russia's staggering 900,000 soldier losses in Ukraine war
The British Ministry of Defense reveals that since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has lost about 900,000 soldiers. These are the greatest losses for the Russian army since World War II.
- Russia has lost about 900,000 soldiers since the start of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with 200,000 to 250,000 soldiers having died, according to the British Ministry of Defense.
- The Russian command prioritizes military objectives over soldiers' lives, indicating a willingness to accept high casualties as long as it does not affect public support.
- Recruitment to the army focuses on ethnic minorities and poorer regions, the British Ministry of Defense emphasizes in its statement.
The greatest losses since World War II
The British Ministry of Defense stated that since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has lost about 900,000 soldiers. Of this number, 200,000 to 250,000 are fatal casualties. These are the greatest losses Russia has suffered since World War II. The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the Russian command prioritizes military objectives over the lives of its soldiers.
The goal over human life
According to the British Ministry of Defense, Russian authorities are willing to tolerate high casualty rates as long as it does not negatively affect public support for the war, especially among the elites. Vladimir Putin and his command likely attach less importance to the lives of citizens from ethnic minorities and impoverished regions, influencing the method of recruitment to the army.
Losses of Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reported that over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since the beginning of the invasion.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, published on February 4, 2025, Zelensky added that the number of wounded Ukrainian soldiers is estimated at 390,000.
