Russia’s War Losses in Ukraine Exceed 2 Million, Independent Estimate Finds

Key Points:

• Russia's military casualties in the war against Ukraine are estimated to be between 1.4 million and 2.1 million, including up to 770,000 soldiers killed since February 2022, according to The Economist's October 30 report.
• These figures mark a significant increase from previous estimates, which in May 2026 placed Russian deaths between 280,000 and 518,000 and total casualties between 1.1 and 1.5 million.
• The Economist's updated assessment incorporates data from Western intelligence, defense ministries, independent research, and battlefield tracking, as Russia does not release official comprehensive casualty numbers.
• Despite heavy losses, Russia continues military operations, while Ukrainian forces have reclaimed about 73 square kilometers of territory in the past three months.
• On October 31, Ukraine's General Staff reported an additional 1,670 Russian personnel losses in 24 hours, along with the destruction of two Russian air defense systems and 206 vehicles and fuel tankers.