UK Official Reports 500,000 Russian Troop Deaths

A senior British defense official estimates that more than 500,000 Russian troops have been killed since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, with total Russian casualties—including those killed, wounded and missing—reaching about 1.5 million. The estimate broadly aligns with figures from Ukraine’s military, though Russia has not publicly commented on the claims. Britain says most of the losses occurred since early 2023, while Russian forces have captured only about 2% of Ukrainian territory and their advance has slowed. The losses are also imposing economic and demographic costs on Russia, including weaker growth, reduced consumer demand and persistent inflation. Britain additionally estimates that Russia has lost more than 10,000 armored vehicles, nearly 3,000 air-defense and artillery systems, and more than 370 aircraft and helicopters.