Russian and Ukrainian military casualties in war nearing 2m, study finds

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Pjotr SauerJanuary 28, 2026 at 12:28 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that Russian and Ukrainian military casualties in the ongoing war could reach 2 million by this spring. The report, released recently, estimates approximately 1.2 million Russian casualties, including potentially 325,000 deaths, and close to 600,000 Ukrainian casualties. These figures are based on interviews and data collected from various sources, including Western and Ukrainian officials and independent Russian media. The Kremlin has dismissed the CSIS report as not credible, maintaining that only the defense ministry can release casualty figures. While Russia has focused on recruitment and financial incentives to replenish its forces, Ukraine has faced challenges in mobilization. Despite the high casualties, Russian territorial gains since 2024 have been marginal.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Afghanistan 30% Chechen 30% Mediazona 40% BBC Russian Service 40% Volodymyr Zelenskyy 40% Kremlin ×250% Vladimir Putin 60% Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) ×470% Russia ×790% Ukraine ×690%

Keywords

military casualties 100% russia-ukraine war 90% troop losses 80% csis report 70% ukrainian military 60% russian military 60% mobilization 60% recruitment 50% battlefield fatalities 50%