Around 70,000 Russian soldiers and mercenaries have been killed since the invasion of Ukraine, according to an estimate from the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence.
The figure includes 50,000 Russian army soldiers and 20,000 mercenaries from the Wagner group.
Another 180,000 to 240,000 soldiers are reported wounded, along with 40,000 mercenaries, according to Monday’s report, which covers the period from 24 February 2022 to 30 November 2023.
This suggests an estimated range of 290,000 to 350,000 losses in Russian ranks, according to the Ministry.
The exact number of casualties remains undisclosed by both sides, which makes verification of these estimates impossible.
A NATO calculation dated late November estimates Russian casualties – both dead and wounded – at over 300,000.
Over the summer, the New York Times reported 120,000 fatalities and between 170,000 to 180,000 injuries based on information from government officials. Ukrainian estimates were around 70,000 fatalities and between 100,000 to 120,000 injuries.
The UK Defence Ministry has been providing daily updates on the war in Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion, citing intelligence service information.
By doing so, the UK Government aims to counter the Russian narrative and keep its allies informed. Moscow, on the other hand, accuses London of conducting a targeted disinformation campaign and spreading anti-Russian propaganda.
