Over 90,000 Russian Casualties Identified in Ukraine War, With Every Fourth Fighter a Volunteer

BBC journalists, in collaboration with volunteers, have identified 90,019 Russian casualties in the war against Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. Of these, 23% enlisted after the war began.

This was reported by BBC in collaboration with the Russian publication Mediazona on January 24.

“To put this in perspective, by November 2023, volunteers made up only 14% of the total losses. The average age of those killed in 2024, based on updated data, was 36 years—higher than in the first two years of the war,” BBC wrote.

In 2025, active recruitment campaigns for volunteers continue in Russian regions. The government promises additional payments, averaging up to 2 million rubles (approximately $26,000) for participation in the war against Ukraine. Journalists reported this week that payments have increased in regions like Yamala, the Republic of Mariy El, and Primorsky Krai.

As of January 24, 2025, media reports indicate that the highest number of Russian casualties in the war against Ukraine has been recorded in the Republic of Bashkortostan—3,932 deaths.

“The real number of deaths is likely much higher—this is only those whose names we have been able to verify through open sources,” BBC noted.

According to the findings, over half of the Russian casualties had no military experience before the war. Among the identified losses, 17% were prisoners who chose to fight instead of serving their sentences. Another 12% were mobilized soldiers.

One of the smallest groups of casualties consists of mercenaries from private military companies. Meanwhile, among regular soldiers, who account for 17% of the 90,019 identified deaths, the largest losses were among motorized rifle troops (5,931 killed) and airborne troops (3,223 killed).

“The actual losses are obviously much higher than what can be established through open sources. Military experts we spoke to suggest that our analysis of Russian cemeteries, military memorials, and obituaries could cover only 45% to 65% of the true death toll… the total number of casualties among pro-Russian forces could range from 159,500 to 223,500 soldiers,” the report states.

The journalists explained that they rely on open sources to estimate the number of casualties and identify the dead, often analyzing statements from regional heads and administrations, as well as burial information.

“We consider confirmation of death to be a publication in an official Russian source or media, family announcements, or posts in other sources if accompanied by photos of the burial,” they reported.

Previously, Alexei Zhuravlyov, deputy chair of Russia’s State Duma Defense Committee, has called for the country’s male population to prepare for mobilization, citing what he claims is a looming threat from Western nations.