Nearly two million troops killed or wounded in Russia-Ukraine war, new study says

Nearly two million troops killed or wounded in Russia-Ukraine war, new study says

• Nearly 1.8 million Russian and Ukrainian troops killed, wounded, or missing
• Russian casualties surpass Ukraine's, with 1.2 million troops impacted.
• Report: Russia no longer a great power in most military and economic areas

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A new study has estimated that close to two million Russian and Ukrainian troops have been killed, wounded or missing in the Ukraine war so far, highlighting the immense human cost of nearly four years of fighting.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington released the report on Tuesday estimating that almost 1.8 million troops on both sides have died. That figure includes nearly 1.2 million Russian soldiers and close to 600,000 Ukrainian troops.

According to researchers, the total number is likely to rise further by spring, the New York Times reported.

Why casualty figures are hard to pin down

There has been no reliable casualty data throughout the war. Russia is widely believed to be conservative about its losses, while Ukraine does not release official figures at all.

To arrive at its estimates, the study took into consideration assessments from US and British intelligence agencies, along with open-source reporting and battlefield analysis.

Even with uncertainty around the precise numbers, the authors said the scale of losses is unmistakable.

Heavy losses, limited territorial gains

The study puts a spotlight on the discrepancy between Russia’s human cost and its progress in the battlefield.

Since January 2024, Russian forces have captured about 1.5 percent of Ukrainian territory and now occupy around 20 percent of the country. In some areas, advances have measured just 50 to 230 feet per day.

“No major power has suffered anywhere near these numbers of casualties or fatalities since World War II,” the report said.

How the fighting has evolved

Operations on both sides have been delayed by winter, but fighting has not stopped. In eastern Ukraine, especially in the areas of Luhansk and Donetsk, Russian forces have been steadily advancing.

Tactics have changed as a result of drone warfare. In an effort to evade discovery, Russia has increasingly abandoned massive armoured assaults in favour of small infantry troops traveling on foot or motorcycles. Drones are used extensively by Ukrainian soldiers to monitor movement, including identifying tire tracks and feet in the snow.

Russian losses far outpace Ukraine’s

The study estimates that around 325,000 Russian troops have been killed since the invasion began in February 2022. In 2025 alone, Russia suffered roughly 415,000 casualties, averaging nearly 35,000 per month.

Ukraine’s losses are estimated at between 100,000 and 140,000 killed, with total casualties far lower than Russia’s — but more damaging relative to the size of its forces.

Russia outnumbers Ukraine on the battlefield by nearly three to one and has a much larger population from which to draw replacements.

How Russia sustains its manpower

Despite losses, Russia has maintained troop levels through aggressive recruitment. Measures have included its first mass draft since World War II, the enlistment of prisoners and debtors, and financial incentives for volunteers.

The study also notes that as many as 15,000 North Korean troops have fought alongside Russian forces, mainly in the Kursk region. South Korean intelligence officials believe hundreds of them have been killed.

Peace talks continue as casualties mount

The casualty report was released shortly after talks involving Russian, Ukrainian and American officials ended on a cautiously optimistic note.

Ukrainian officials said progress had been made and further meetings were planned. Russian officials confirmed talks would resume, though it remains unclear whether Moscow will accept elements of a proposed peace framework.

A weakening major power

Beyond the battlefield, the war is taking a toll on Russia’s economy. The study points to slowing growth, declining manufacturing and a lack of globally competitive technology firms.

One of the report’s authors said the combination of heavy losses, slow advances and economic strain suggests Russia is emerging from the war diminished.

“While Russia still possesses nuclear weapons and a large military,” the study said, “it is no longer a great power in most military, economic, or science and technology categories.”