Russia's war losses near 1.5 million as Moscow searches for new troops
Russia's losses are approaching 1.5 million personnel (photo: Getty Images)
Russia's losses in the war against Ukraine are approaching 1.5 million military personnel. The Kremlin is reinforcing its army with both prisoners and tens of thousands of foreign troops, according to Newsweek.
Experts note that it is difficult to calculate the actual losses in the war. Both sides may overstate the enemy's losses and conceal their own. This is necessary to maintain morale, preserve international support, and strengthen their positions in negotiations.
According to data from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of August 11, Russian military losses in the war reached 1,460,400 personnel. This includes both killed and wounded service members, some of whom may have already returned to the front line.
At the same time, British intelligence agency GCHQ estimated in May that approximately 500,000 Russian service members had been killed.
According to data cited by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Russia may have lost around 450,000 service members killed since the start of the full-scale war. Russia's total losses are estimated at around 1.4 million personnel.
For comparison, CSIS estimates Ukraine's likely losses at 625,000 service members, including up to 150,000 killed.
Newsweek notes that at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, elite military units accounted for the majority of Russian army losses. Moscow later began recruiting prisoners and mercenaries from the Wagner mercenary group.
Russia then increasingly relied on volunteers. By the fall of 2024, they accounted for the largest number of those killed in the war. In addition, Moscow recruited foreign military personnel, including troops from North Korea.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia could receive up to 50,000 North Korean troops, which is more than North Korea deployed in 2024. At that time, around 14,000 North Korean service members fought on Russia's side.
Mobilization in Russia
Russia is preparing for mobilization. Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to announce it after parliamentary elections in the fall and "quickly" recruit new soldiers into the military.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously warned that large-scale mobilization in Russia would pose a direct challenge to Europe. According to him, Putin needs to demonstrate success and may seek new quick victories beyond Ukraine.
