Losses in Russia`s war against Ukraine are approaching 2 million military personnel: study

The total losses of Russian and Ukrainian troops in the full-scale war are approaching two million people. This is according to a study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, published on Tuesday. According to analysts' estimates, nearly 1.2 million casualties are accounted for by the Russian army, and another 600,000 by Ukrainian forces. The total figure has already reached nearly 1.8 million and could exceed two million in the spring, according to the NYTimes.

The authors of the study note that accurate figures remain difficult to verify. Russia systematically underestimates the number of dead and wounded, while Ukraine does not disclose official data. The estimates are based on data from the US and UK governments and open sources.

The high losses contrast with the limited advance of Russian troops. According to the centre, since January 2024, Russia has captured only 1.5 per cent of Ukraine's territory and currently controls about 20 per cent of the country. The pace of the advance in some areas is between 15 and 70 metres per day.

The most intense fighting continues in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. The advance slowed in winter due to weather conditions, but Russian troops continue to exert gradual pressure. The tactics of both sides are changing due to the widespread use of drones. Russia is increasingly abandoning large armoured columns in favour of small groups of infantry or motorcycles, while Ukrainian units track enemy movements by their tracks in the snow.

According to the study, Russia has lost about 325,000 troops since the invasion began in February 2022. In 2025 alone, the number of Russian military personnel killed and wounded reached approximately 415,000, an average of nearly 35,000 per month. Ukraine's losses are estimated at 100,000-140,000 military personnel killed.

Analysts also draw attention to the economic consequences of the war for the Russian Federation. Russia's economic growth in 2025 is estimated to have slowed to 0.6 per cent, and production is declining. Against the backdrop of significant losses and slow territorial gains, researchers conclude that Russia is weakening as a great power.

Source and photo: NYTimes.

War, Armed Forces of Ukraine, United States, United Kingdom, losses, Russia