Mediazona and Meduza, two independent Russian news outlets, have released a report estimating that over 219,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the war in Ukraine. The figures are based on a comprehensive analysis of verified death tolls and additional data sources including satellite imagery and military reports. The report highlights the significant human cost of the Russian military campaign, which has been ongoing since February 2022.
The outlets stress that their calculations are based on a rigorous verification process. They have cross-checked the data with multiple sources to ensure its accuracy. The report has drawn widespread international attention, with many observers commenting on the implications of such a high casualty rate for Russia’s military strength and morale.
Russia has consistently denied the accuracy of such casualty figures, attributing them to Western media bias and disinformation campaigns. However, the credibility of the report has been bolstered by its independent sourcing and the growing body of evidence supporting the estimates. As the conflict continues, the human and economic costs are expected to rise, with potential long-term consequences for both Ukraine and Russia.