Spike in Russian army deaths: Intel reveals why over 600 servicemembers died
Illustrative photo: around 600 Russian servicemembers died in the Central Military District (Getty Images)
In the Russian Central Military District in 2024–2025, over 600 servicemembers died due to negligence, unsanitary conditions, and alcohol and drug overdoses, according to the Defense Intelligence (HUR).
"Over 2024–2025, more than 600 servicemembers of the Russian Central Military District — one of the five districts within the structure of the occupation army — died as a result of negligence, alcohol and drug overdoses, fights, and unsanitary conditions," HUR reported.
According to the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, at least 71 servicemembers committed suicide in 2024, and in the first half of 2025, there were already 86 such cases.
Poor food quality led to the deaths of 32 people from food poisoning.
Furthermore, drugs are becoming a serious threat: in less than 2025, there were 112 recorded deaths from drug poisoning, nearly reaching the 2024 figure of 143 cases.
HUR notes that the increase in suicides, crime, and drug abuse among Russian troops indicates deep demoralization within the occupation contingent.
Abuse of their own
In the latest interception by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence in the Donetsk region, it was revealed that a Russian commander ordered the shooting of subordinates who attempted to retreat from their positions.
HUR fighters also published a conversation in which a relative of a Russian soldier said that out of 25 Russian servicemembers in the war against Ukraine, only two survived.
Additionally, it was reported that the Russian army has set up "field courts" that punish deserters with torture and force them to fight to the death against one another.
