Russia's losses in Ukraine approached a million: activity on the front is increasing again

As the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues at a frantic pace, the number of casualties is also rapidly increasing. According to the latest data provided by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, since the beginning of the war, Russia has lost nearly one million military personnel. This figure includes those killed, wounded, missing, and captured.

While neither side officially discloses exact casualty numbers, Ukrainian officials regularly report on the situation at the front and the losses. In a statement made in February this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that more than 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed. Additionally, about 380,000 military personnel have been wounded, and “tens of thousands” are either missing or in captivity.

As for Russian losses, the only official statement came from Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anna Tsivileva, who said at the end of 2024 that 48,000 DNA samples had been collected from relatives of missing soldiers. This alone indicates the large scale of battlefield losses.

At the same time, Ukraine’s military leadership suspects that Russia is preparing a new offensive. Combat activity is intensifying, especially along a front line stretching over 1,000 kilometers. The war continues fiercely in areas such as Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and other parts of Donetsk region.

According to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Moscow sees the full capture of the Kyiv-controlled portion of Donetsk region as a strategic priority. Russia’s objective has remained unchanged since it first invaded Ukrainian territory in 2014.

While hopes for compromise and peace talks remain, the intensity of frontline events and the scale of human losses raise serious concerns. With not only soldiers but also civilians suffering every day, the need for a diplomatic solution becomes increasingly urgent.

Photo: Reuters