Russia and Ukraine have suffered nearly 1.4 million troop casualties since the start of the war in February 2022, according to a new study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington.
The report estimates that almost one million Russian troops have been killed or wounded, with Ukrainian losses approaching 400,000. Russian fatalities alone are put at around 250,000 — a death toll unmatched by any Soviet or Russian war since World War II.
Despite the staggering human cost, Russia has made minimal territorial gains. Since January 2024, Russian forces have captured less than 1 percent more of Ukraine, and still control only about 20 percent of the country. Progress has slowed to as little as 165 feet per day in some areas — slower than the infamous World War I Battle of the Somme.
Russia has maintained its manpower through forced conscription, recruiting prisoners, and enlisting debtors. Meanwhile, Ukraine is struggling to match numbers, with 250,000 soldiers facing over 400,000 Russians.
The CSIS warns the war could drag on for years unless Western support for Ukraine falters. “If the U.S. doesn’t walk, Putin is in serious trouble,” said co-author Seth G. Jones.
