Three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war rages on — and the human cost keeps climbing. Ukraine says Russian losses are staggering, and they’re rising every day. Meanwhile, the long-term effects of these losses could shape both countries’ futures for years to come.
The Numbers Tell a Grim Story Since the invasion began on February 24, 2022, Russia has reportedly lost 868,320 soldiers, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. That’s an enormous figure, and while Ukraine’s losses are said to be much lower, the exact numbers for both sides remain hard to confirm. Both countries are tight-lipped about their true casualties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently shared updated figures, stating that Ukraine had lost around 45,000 soldiers, with about 390,000 injured. However, other reports suggest the numbers could be higher. A confidential Ukrainian assessment from 2024 put the country’s troop losses at 80,000 killed and 400,000 wounded.
A War Taking Its Toll As the war drags on, both nations face more than just military losses. The ongoing casualties are expected to impact their economies and demographics, especially given already declining birth rates. Russia, in particular, is struggling to fill its ranks with trained soldiers as its losses mount.
Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, recently posted a powerful message on social media, marking the third anniversary of the invasion. He praised the resilience and unity of the Ukrainian people, highlighting how volunteers, doctors, educators, and workers have all played a role in keeping the nation strong.
Meanwhile, accounts tracking the war’s toll on Russia paint a stark picture. The @KilledInUkraine account reported that at least 5,596 Russian officers had been killed since the war began. Other estimates based on public records suggest that Russia’s total losses could be around 350,000 soldiers killed.
What’s Next? Despite peace talks being mediated by the U.S., there’s no clear end in sight for the conflict. With both sides continuing to suffer heavy losses, the path to peace remains uncertain — and the human cost of this war keeps growing.
