Russia's losses in Ukraine as of May 21: +910 troops and 1,715 drones
Ukrainian soldiers (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia's battlefield losses continue to grow as fighting with Ukrainian forces intensifies. In its latest daily update, Ukraine's General Staff reported new Russian losses in both manpower and military equipment over the past 24 hours.
The total Russian combat losses from February 24, 2022, to May 21, 2026, are estimated to be:
- Personnel — nearly 1,352,980 (+910)
- Tanks — 11,943
- Armored combat vehicles — 24,591 (+5)
- Artillery systems — 42,454 (+54)
- Multiple-launch rocket systems — 1,797 (+2)
- Air defense systems — 1,389 (+1)
- Aircraft — 436
- Helicopters — 353
- Ground robotic complex — 1,436 (+4)
- Operational-tactical UAVs — 302,787 (+1,715)
- Cruise missiles — 4,632
- Ships/boats — 33
- Submarines — 2
- Automotive equipment and fuel tanks — 98,070 (+202)
- Special equipment — 4,207 (+1)
(Photo: facebook.com/Ukraine's General Staff)
Frontline situation
Ukraine's Defense Forces launched a series of strikes on key Russian military and energy targets, including another attack on the Lukoil refinery in Kstovo, where a fire broke out after the strike. Ukrainian forces also hit the Yaroslavl-3 oil pumping station, damaging four large fuel tanks, according to Ukraine's General Staff.
Additional strikes targeted Russian command and drone control posts, troop concentrations, an ammunition depot, and a repair facility in occupied territories, as Ukraine continues efforts to weaken Russia’s military capabilities.
At the same time, Ukrainian forces remain in full control of Kupiansk despite repeated Russian infiltration attempts, a Ukrainian commander said. According to the military, small Russian groups are trying to enter the city using dense vegetation for cover, but most are detected and eliminated or captured. The situation in the area remains stable and under Ukrainian control.
