Russia's military deaths in Ukraine exceed 350,000
Updated
Updated · UNITED24 Media · May 9
Russia's military deaths in Ukraine exceed 350,000
8 articles · Updated · UNITED24 Media · May 9
A Meduza, Mediazona and BBC Russian investigation put the minimum documented toll at 352,000 by end-2025, including about 90,000 deaths or disappearances recognised through Russian courts.
Researchers said 2024 and 2025 saw sharply higher losses as fighting intensified, with courts receiving up to 86,000 requests to declare missing servicemen dead and more than 52,000 delayed inheritance registrations recorded.
The estimate excludes foreign fighters for Russia and troops still officially missing, and the report said mounting losses may be straining recruitment as Ukraine claims Russian casualties recently outpaced volunteer intake.
One in 25 young Russian men is now dead or maimed. How long can Putin hide this catastrophic cost from his people?
As Russia's death toll surpasses 350,000, is its economy or its army more likely to collapse first?
With a temporary truce underway, can a peace deal be reached before President Trump's June deadline?
Over 325,000 Russian Soldiers Dead: The Human, Social, and Geopolitical Costs of the Ukraine War (2022–2026)
Overview
As of early 2026, Russian military deaths in Ukraine have reached a staggering scale, with estimates suggesting around 325,000 soldiers killed, making this one of the deadliest European conflicts since World War II. The Kremlin’s efforts to conceal the true extent of its losses make accurate figures difficult to obtain, so independent investigations and detailed reporting by outlets like Mediazona are crucial for transparency. These groups use open-source data and infographics to provide insights into the origins and service of the deceased, highlighting the immense human cost and the importance of independent estimates amid official secrecy.