Russian military casualties in Ukraine may exceed 500,000

An investigation by BBC News Russian, Mediazona, and volunteers has identified 285,023 specific Russian soldiers killed during the invasion of Ukraine. However, researchers warn that this list likely represents only 45 to 55 percent of actual fatalities, as many deaths are not publicly recorded or bodies remain in combat zones.

Military experts estimate that total Russian losses could reach between 518,000 and 663,000 people. When including militias from former separatist republics and North Korean combatants, total pro-Russian losses could range from 541,000 to nearly 690,000. The investigation identified 2,304 North Korean soldiers killed between 2024 and 2025 based on satellite imagery and military memorials.

Data shows that motorized infantry brigades have suffered the heaviest losses, often being used as infantry without adequate artillery or armored support. Volunteers make up more than one-third of the confirmed casualties, followed by contract soldiers, former prisoners, and mobilized forces.