Heavy Losses in the Ukraine War: A Deep Dive
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in staggering losses for both nations, particularly for Russia. According to data released by Ukrainian authorities, the number of Russian soldiers killed or seriously injured has exceeded half a million. This figure starkly contrasts with Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that Russian casualties are significantly lower than Ukrainian losses, with a ratio of 1 to 5.
Unverified Figures and Equipment Losses
The Ukrainian General Staff reports daily on Russian military casualties, but these numbers cannot be independently verified. As of July 2, 2024, Ukrainian sources estimate that approximately 545,090 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured since the invasion began in February 2022. In addition to human losses, Russia has also faced substantial equipment losses, including 8,107 tanks, 15,566 armored vehicles, and 11,641 drones.
NATO and Western intelligence agencies have also provided their assessments. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Western intelligence services believe Russian casualties have exceeded 350,000. Similarly, US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin and the British Ministry of Defense have estimated Russian losses at around 350,000 and 500,000, respectively.
The conflict has also seen extensive use of drones by both sides. Russia recently reported the destruction of 36 Ukrainian drones in the Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions. These drone attacks have targeted energy sites and regions close to the border, intensifying the conflict further.
The war's toll on both human life and military equipment underscores the severe impact of the conflict, with no immediate end in sight.
- According to Ukrainian authorities, about 1,280 Russian soldiers have been killed or seriously wounded in combat in the past 24 hours. This brings the number of casualties since the invasion began in February 2022 to approximately 545,090.
- The Russian military's losses of vehicles, aircraft, and equipment in the war against Ukraine are also high. The following list is an excerpt from the figures currently reported by the Ukrainian military (as of July 2). Here, too, the information cannot be independently verified.
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced in Brussels that Western intelligence services believe that the number of Russian soldiers killed or wounded has now exceeded 350,000. The country is paying a very high price for marginal territorial gains, he said. Ukrainian attacks have also sunk or disabled a significant portion of the Russian Black Sea fleet, Stoltenberg added.
- In June, US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin put the number of Russian soldiers killed or seriously injured in the war at around 350,000. At the end of May, Great Britain commented on the figures. At that time, the British Ministry of Defense estimated that around 500,000 Russian soldiers had been wounded or killed in the Ukraine war, including regular soldiers and around 20,000 members of the Wagner Group.
- Russia recently reported the destruction of 36 Ukrainian drones in the Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions. These drone attacks have targeted energy sites and regions close to the border, intensifying the conflict further.
