Russian Military Casualties in Ukraine: A Comprehensive Overview

A collaborative investigation by the Russian independent media outlet Mediazona and the BBC's Russian service has identified 130,150 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine from February 24, 2022, to September 11, 2025. This figure includes 4,469 additional confirmed deaths since the last update. The report highlights that actual casualties are likely much higher, as the data is derived from public sources like obituaries and social media, and does not account for military losses in Russian-occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The breakdown of the casualties includes 36,568 volunteers, 18,261 recruited prisoners, 14,797 mobilized troops, and 2,777 mercenaries, alongside 5,567 confirmed officer deaths.

Kyiv IndependentUkraine Troops Capture Dozens of Russian Prisoners in Pokrovsk Counterattack Battles

Military analysts, including Michael Kofman from the Carnegie Endowment, have observed significant changes in Russian military tactics due to heavy losses inflicted by Ukrainian forces. The Russian army has shifted from large armored assaults to smaller, foot-based infiltration teams, often operating at night to avoid detection. This tactical evolution mirrors methods used by the Wagner Group, indicating a transformation within the Russian military structure. Despite these changes, the effectiveness of these tactics remains questionable, as many small units suffer high casualties from drone strikes during their operations.

Russian losses in the war with Ukraine. Mediazona count, updated

As of September 13, 2025, Ukraine's General Staff reported that Russia has lost approximately 1,093,730 troops since the onset of the full-scale invasion. This figure includes substantial losses across various military branches, with the Russian Ministry of Defense claiming significant Ukrainian casualties as well, reporting 9,785 Ukrainian troops killed in a single week. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering toll on both sides, with estimates of Russian losses continuing to rise.

Kyiv IndependentWeekly Ukrainian Losses Reach 9,785 in Russian MoD ReportUkraine Troops Capture Dozens of Russian Prisoners in Pokrovsk Counterattack Battles

Critics of the Russian military strategy have pointed to the high casualty rates and the apparent disconnect between reported territorial gains and the actual situation on the ground. Pro-war commentators have expressed skepticism regarding the Russian command's claims of success, suggesting that many reported advances may exist only on paper. The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence has also highlighted the incompetence of Russian command as a contributing factor to these catastrophic losses.

Russian losses in the war with Ukraine. Mediazona count, updated

• “The pressure to show progress by colouring in maps for senior command, such as the one presented to General Gerasimov, comes at the cost of immense casualties for gains that may be entirely illusory.” — Michael Kofman, Military Analyst

Russian losses in the war with Ukraine. Mediazona count, updated

• “The Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reminds: every Russian serviceman who does not wish to die in the «meat assaults» or be «zeroed» by the commander has a chance to stay alive.” — Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Report

DIU: Russian troops suffer catastrophic losses due to the incompetence of command and the actions of the AFU

The conflict continues to evolve, with both sides preparing for further offensives. Ukrainian forces have recently captured dozens of Russian soldiers, indicating ongoing intense combat in strategic areas like Pokrovsk. The situation remains fluid, with both military and civilian impacts expected to deepen as the war progresses.

Ukraine Troops Capture Dozens of Russian Prisoners in Pokrovsk Counterattack Battles