How Many People Have Died in the Russia-Ukraine War?

The war between Ukraine and Russia has led to staggering human losses, with estimates placing the total number of dead and wounded at nearly one million.

Quantifying injuries and casualties has been a difficult task throughout the war—the true scale of the losses remains uncertain due to conflicting reports and limited access to reliable data. As discussions between world powers continue, including a recent U.S.-Russia meeting that excluded Ukraine, concerns persist over how the war will ultimately be resolved and what the lasting impact will be on both nations.

Why It Matters

The war between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in an immense number of casualties on both sides. According to the Wall Street Journal, estimates from September place the total number of dead and wounded at approximately one million. Given the challenges in verifying figures, the true extent of losses remains unclear. The impact of these staggering numbers will shape the demographic and economic futures of both nations for years to come.

What to Know

The Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, escalating a conflict that had been simmering since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Initially, Russia aimed for a swift takeover, but Ukrainian resistance, supported by Western military aid, halted major advances. Over time, the war has evolved into a prolonged and grinding conflict, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Russia has captured some territory in eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine has conducted counteroffensives with mixed results. Diplomatic efforts have stalled, and recent reports indicate that the U.S. and Russia have discussed potential resolutions to the war without Ukraine’s direct involvement. Meanwhile, military aid and financial support from Western allies, particularly the U.S., continue to play a crucial role in sustaining Ukraine’s war effort.

Ukraine’s Casualties from the Russia-Ukraine War

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, combat and civilian losses have steadily climbed. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said in February 2024 that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed, though external estimates suggest the figure may be significantly higher. A confidential Ukrainian assessment earlier in 2024, reported by the Wall Street Journal, placed Ukrainian troop losses at 80,000 killed and 400,000 wounded.

Russia’s Casualties from the Russia-Ukraine War

According to International Institute for Strategic Studies, Russia has suffered massive casualties since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Estimates suggest that more than 800,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or severely wounded, making this one of the deadliest conflicts for Russia since World War II. The report indicates that Russian forces have relied on poorly trained recruits and convicts to sustain their offensive operations, leading to exceptionally high casualty rates. Despite these losses, Russia has continued its large-scale assaults, particularly in eastern Ukraine, while struggling to replenish its ranks with adequately trained personnel.

Why the Number of Casualties is Difficult to Quatify for the Russia-Ukraine War

Accurately determining the number of dead and wounded in the Russia-Ukraine war remains difficult due to multiple factors. Both Russia and Ukraine tightly control information on their military losses, often releasing figures that differ widely from independent assessments. Additionally, casualty data from occupied territories is scarce, as international organizations have limited access to verify reports. Propaganda, misinformation, and the strategic importance of managing public perception further complicate the ability to establish reliable statistics. As a result, the true human cost of the war is likely significantly higher than officially reported numbers.

What People Are Saying

On Feb. 19, President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social: “A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left. In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all admit only ‘TRUMP,’ and the Trump Administration, can do. Biden never tried, Europe has failed to bring Peace, and Zelenskyy probably wants to keep the ‘gravy train’ going. I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died – And so it continues…..”

On Feb. 19, former Vice President Mike Pence posted to X in response to President Trump’s claims about Ukraine starting the war with Russia: “Mr. President, Ukraine did not ‘start’ this war. Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth.”

John Bolton, attorney and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, posted on X on Feb. 19: “Trump’s characterizations of Zelensky and Ukraine are some of the most shameful remarks ever made by a US President. Our support of Ukraine has never been about charity, our way of life at home depends on our strength abroad.”

What’s Next

As the war enters its third year, casualty numbers will likely continue to rise. According to AP News, Ukraine has resisted calls to fully mobilize younger men, fearing that doing so would have long-term consequences for its population. The average age of a Ukrainian soldier is now over 43, Time reported, with Kyiv recruiting small numbers of convicts to supplement its ranks.

With no sign of an imminent ceasefire, the heavy losses on both sides will have lasting consequences, shaping the political, economic, and demographic future of Ukraine, Russia, and beyond.