Russia’s Staggering Losses in Ukraine War

AMERICA NEWS WORLD

4 months ago

Russia’s Staggering Losses in Ukraine War: Nearly 1 Million Casualties

By AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) Staff | June 04, 2025 | 16:12 IST
Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine has come at a shocking cost. A new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals a grim reality: nearly 1 million Russian troops have been killed or wounded since the invasion began in February 2022. Meanwhile, Ukraine has also suffered heavily, with around 400,000 dead or injured. In total, the conflict has claimed almost 1.4 million casualties in just over three years. This devastating toll paints a stark picture of a grinding war of attrition.
The numbers are staggering, yet exact figures remain hard to pin down. Moscow often hides its true losses, and Kyiv rarely shares military casualty data. Still, the CSIS report, backed by U.S. and British intelligence and open-source findings, offers a clear look at the human price. According to The New York Times, this study stands as one of the most thorough attempts to track the war’s toll. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), we’re diving deep to bring you the full story.
A Heavy Price for Little Gain

Despite the massive losses, Russia’s gains have been shockingly small. Since January 2024, Russian forces have seized less than 1 percent of Ukraine’s land, now holding about 20 percent total. The CSIS report notes that in some areas, like Kharkiv, troops crawl forward at just 165 feet per day. That’s slower than battles in World War I, like the Somme, where advances were tough but faster. For example, Russia captured only 5,000 square kilometers since early 2024, a tiny slice compared to the 120,000 square kilometers taken in the war’s first weeks.
The cost is heartbreaking. Russia’s daily casualty rate hit 1,200 soldiers in May and June 2024, climbing to 1,500 by November. In December, Ukraine’s general staff reported a stunning 2,010 Russian losses in a single day. On the other hand, Ukraine’s losses are also heavy. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers died by December 2024, with 370,000 wounded. However, about half of the injured have returned to duty, showing Ukraine’s resilience.
Casualty Breakdown: The Numbers Tell a Grim Story
Here’s a clear snapshot of the toll, based on CSIS and other estimates:

Highlighted Insight: Russia’s 950,000 casualties dwarf its losses in all wars since World War II combined—five times higher than in Afghanistan and Chechnya. Ukraine’s toll, though lower, strains its smaller population deeply.
A War of Attrition Drags On
This war is exhausting both sides. Russia’s slow push in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv shows grit but little reward. For instance, capturing Avdiivka took months of fierce fighting, yet gains remain small. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched a bold strike into Russia’s Kursk region in August 2024, grabbing 1,250 square kilometers. But Russia fought back, reclaiming half of it by early 2025. Clearly, neither side is backing down.

Russia’s tactics are costly. Small infantry teams make repeated attacks, driving up casualties for little land. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says Russia gained 4,168 square kilometers in 2024, but at a brutal cost of over 420,000 losses. On the flip side, Ukraine’s defenses hold strong, inflicting heavy damage. Still, Kyiv faces manpower shortages and relies on Western aid to keep fighting.
Beyond the Battlefield: A Wider Toll
The pain stretches far beyond the front lines. Over 10 million Ukrainians—23 percent of the pre-war population—have fled or been displaced. About 3.7 million are internally displaced, and 6.5 million are refugees. Russia, too, sees loss: 800,000 citizens have left for economic or political reasons. Additionally, civilian deaths haunt both sides. The UN reports over 12,300 Ukrainian civilians killed since 2022, with many dying in Russian-held areas.
Russia’s attacks on civilians are chilling. In Kherson, drone strikes dubbed a “human safari” killed nearly 150 people by May 2025, per the UN. Such acts, along with torture and cultural suppression, are called war crimes. For example, UNESCO notes 485 damaged Ukrainian cultural sites, from churches to museums—a tragic loss.
What’s Next for Russia and Ukraine?
The future looks tough. Russia keeps recruiting, with 440,000 new troops in 2024, per Dmitry Medvedev. But losses mount, and morale wanes. Ukraine, meanwhile, needs more Western support—arms, funds, and tech—to hold the line. U.S. politics add uncertainty. President-elect Donald Trump, in January 2025, claimed 1 million Russian and 700,000 Ukrainian soldiers died, pushing for peace. Yet, no deal is near.
At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), or visit us at america112.com, we track this crisis daily. The CSIS report warns of a “horrific human price” for Putin’s gains. For more, check The New York Times coverage here. This war’s cost—lives, land, and hope—is staggering. Can peace come soon? We’ll keep you updated.

Why This Matters to You
Whether you’re in India, the USA, or beyond, this conflict touches us all. Rising energy prices, inflation, and global tension hit home. Young readers, parents, and seniors alike feel the ripple. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), we simplify the facts for all ages. Stay informed, share your thoughts, and visit america112.com for the latest.
Image: A damaged building in Ukraine, a stark reminder of the war’s toll. (Source: Google Images, Oleksii Chumachenko / SOPA Images via Reuters Connect)