Over 1.8 Million Soldiers Affected in Ukraine War

Nearly four years into the Russia–Ukraine conflict, more than 1.8 million military personnel from both nations have been killed, injured, or reported missing, according to a report by the Washington-based think tank, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The CSIS report highlights that Russian forces have suffered heavier losses compared with their Ukrainian counterparts. Of the total casualties exceeding 1.8 million, approximately 1.2 million are Russian soldiers. Among these, over 325,000 have been confirmed killed, while the majority sustained injuries. Several thousand Russian personnel remain unaccounted for.

The report emphasises the unprecedented scale of Russian military losses, stating that since the Second World War, no major military power has experienced such extensive personnel casualties in any conflict worldwide.

Ukraine has also endured substantial losses. Over the course of nearly four years of hostilities, more than 600,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed, wounded, or gone missing. CSIS estimates indicate that between February 2022 and December 2025, between 100,000 and 140,000 Ukrainian military personnel were killed.

If hostilities continue at the current rate, CSIS projects that total casualties could reach approximately two million by spring 2026.

The conflict traces its origins to prolonged tensions over Crimea and Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO. Despite Russia’s formal recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, Kyiv’s continued pursuit of closer ties with Western military alliances prompted the Russian Federation to launch a military campaign on 24 February 2022, under the orders of President Vladimir Putin. The campaign remains ongoing.

The scale of human loss underscores the devastating human cost of the war and highlights the immense strain placed on both nations’ armed forces.

Estimated Military Casualties (February 2022 – December 2025)

The ongoing conflict continues to reshape the security landscape of Europe, with casualty figures reflecting the sustained intensity of hostilities and the high human cost endured by both nations.