Rising toll: 90,000 Russian soldiers reported dead in Ukraine
According to "Meduza" and the "BBC", over 90,000 Russian soldiers have been identified as killed in the war in Ukraine. Among those identified are nine generals and 500 officers of the rank of lieutenant colonel and above. Meanwhile, prisoners who decided to participate in the war account for as much as 17% of the deceased.
Journalists from "Meduza" and the "BBC", along with volunteers, determined that by 24 January, 90,019 Russian soldiers were identified as killed during the invasion of Ukraine. In the last two weeks, since 10 January, the identities of 1,964 individuals have been determined.
According to the "BBC", 23% of the deceased were individuals who signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence after the war began. 17% were prisoners sent to the front from penal colonies, and 12% were mobilised. Among those identified are nine generals and 500 officers of the rank of lieutenant colonel and above.
The most Russian casualties come from Bashkiria, where authorities and media reported the deaths of 3,932 people. The "BBC" emphasises that actual losses may be higher, ranging from 45 to 65% of the reported number of dead. It is estimated that the real number of casualties may range from approximately 140,000 to 200,000 people. In July 2024, "Meduza" estimated the number of deaths at 120,000 people.
Trump provides data: 800,000 Russians killed?
During his election campaign, Donald Trump promised a quick end to the war. Recently, he stated that the president of Ukraine is ready to negotiate, but he does not know Vladimir Putin's stance. Simultaneously, the US president claimed that it should be in the Russians' best interest to seek peace.
Trump added that up to 800,000 Russian soldiers might have been killed, although he previously argued that up to a million military personnel had perished. According to him, on the Ukrainian side, between 600,000 and 700,000 people have died. The President of the United States added that far more people have died than has been publicly disclosed.
Trump's data partially aligns with information from the Ukrainian General Staff. On 17 January, it was reported that Russia has lost a total of 815,820 soldiers since the start of the full-scale invasion. This data includes those killed, injured, captured, and missing.
