By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A joint investigation by the BBC Russian Service, Mediazona, and volunteers has confirmed the deaths of over 128,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, identifying names as of early September. This figure is based on obituaries, which do not represent the full death toll, and includes a growing number of volunteer fighters, alongside prisoners and mobilized soldiers. The investigation also noted that the share of volunteer fighters now make up the core of Russia’s offensive force in Ukraine. While Moscow and Kyiv rarely release official figures, independent estimates suggest the death toll may be significantly higher, and Russia continues to make advances in eastern Ukraine despite the losses.
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Over 128,000 Russian Troops Confirmed Dead in Ukraine War – Research is a staggering figure, and it really makes you stop and consider the human cost of this conflict. What’s particularly striking is that this number, confirmed by meticulous research from the BBC Russian Service, Mediazona, and a network of volunteers, isn’t even the complete picture. It represents those individuals whose deaths have been documented, often through media reports, with their names and regions known. Imagine the actual number, with all the untold stories and unrecorded casualties.
To put this into perspective, we’re talking about a number of deaths that dwarfs the casualties of the Soviet Union’s war in Afghanistan, a conflict that significantly contributed to the USSR’s downfall. It’s even more than the total number of American casualties in World War II, a conflict that involved the entire globe! The numbers, when you really think about them, are heartbreaking.
The reality is that the death toll is likely far higher. The evidence, including estimates from Mediazona and Meduza, suggests that the number of killed Russian troops could be at least 220,000 since the invasion began. And consider this – Putin seems to be willing to use the lives of North Korean troops as well. This war appears to be a brutal and seemingly endless grind.
The nature of the conflict itself contributes to this grim tally. The Russian military, it seems, is relying heavily on a “meat grinder” strategy, throwing waves of soldiers into the fray. The focus on volunteers who signed contracts after the war began seems to be the core of their offensive force. It’s a devastating approach, especially when you consider that a lot of the soldiers are pulled from the poorest Russian regions.
The situation is also worsened by Russia’s apparent disregard for its own soldiers’ lives. Reports suggest the use of mobile incinerators to dispose of bodies, and the active denial of deaths to avoid payouts to families. This suggests a callous indifference that further amplifies the tragedy of the war. They don’t seem to care about the long-term impact on birthrates and the economy either.
The emotional toll on Russian society must be immense. The number of deaths has to be a factor in society’s morale. The US public’s reaction to the reported losses during the Global War on Terror, however many that was, pales in comparison to the current numbers we’re facing. It’s easy to see how devastating these losses must be, even if there are many Russians who support the war.
The imbalance in losses, as noted by Volodymyr Zelensky, also paints a stark picture. Though he didn’t reveal Ukraine’s total losses, he stated that Russian casualties were roughly three times higher than Ukraine’s. This stark difference, coupled with the sheer volume of Russian casualties, is a clear indicator of the intensity of the fighting and the strategic choices being made. It is a war of attrition.
Furthermore, the sheer volume of military equipment lost by Russia tells its own story. The number of tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels lost in Ukraine is staggering, far exceeding the losses suffered by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. This all serves to underscore the magnitude of the conflict and the sacrifices being made on both sides, but particularly by the Russians.
While some sources, such as UALosses.org, attempt to document Ukrainian losses, the focus remains largely on Russia. This is perhaps due to a number of factors, including increased funding for research on Russia, and potential limitations in available resources for documenting Ukrainian casualties. It’s also important to remember that the nature of war makes accurate casualty counts incredibly difficult to obtain, especially during an active conflict.
It’s a testament to the dedication of the researchers and volunteers who are working to document these losses, even amidst the chaos and devastation of war. Their work provides a crucial window into the human cost of this conflict, reminding us of the lives lost and the families left behind. The war is a reminder that the impact of this war is going to affect Russia for years and generations to come.