The Financial Times published the results of an analysis indicating that by August, the number of Russian military personnel killed during combat operations against Ukraine stood at approximately 550,000.
Information sources and methodology
These estimates were derived from a detailed examination of a dataset belonging to the Russian state statistics service (Rosstat). This data became available following a successful cyberattack on the agency's infrastructure.
Year-end forecast
Journalists calculated that if the mortality rate recorded in January remains at the same level until the end of the current year, the total number of fatalities could reach 650,000.
Structure of the calculations
According to the analysed materials, approximately 410,000 deaths are directly linked to military operations. A further 12,000 cases were identified as the deaths of military personnel based on their status, age, and the location where the death occurred.
The total also includes 42,000 deaths of men of conscription age listed in court documents. This refers to situations where the relatives of the deceased were unable to locate their bodies.
Risk of underestimating figures
The actual number of victims may be higher due to delays in registering deaths. For example, in 2026, paperwork was still being processed for individuals who died during the battles for Mariupol back in 2022.
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