UK Intelligence Estimates Russia’s Military Losses at 900,000 in Ukraine—Highest Since World War II

According to UK intelligence, Russia has likely lost approximately 900,000 military personnel—killed or wounded—since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The estimate was published by the UK Ministry of Defence on its official X account on March 20, as reported by multiple media sources. Intelligence officials assess that between 200,000 and 250,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, marking the highest military losses for Russia since World War II.

The analysis suggests that Russian leadership prioritizes its strategic objectives over personnel losses. The Kremlin appears willing to sustain significant casualties as long as they do not undermine domestic support for the war or disrupt the military’s ability to replenish its ranks.

UK intelligence also indicates that recruitment efforts have disproportionately focused on economically disadvantaged regions and ethnic minority populations. According to the report, urban centers such as Moscow and St. Petersburg have contributed fewer personnel to the war compared to poorer, rural areas.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s General Staff estimates Russia’s total combat losses at approximately 899,470 personnel as of March 20, 2025, with 1,400 Russian troops reportedly eliminated in the past 24 hours.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces successfully halted Russian advances near Pokrovsk and launched counterattacks, regaining the initiative in some areas, former Aidar Battalion commander Yevhen Dykyi told Radio NV on March 7. He noted that Russian troops had concentrated significant forces to capture Pokrovsk but failed, shifting their focus to other sectors.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces also advanced in Toretsk, marking the first liberation of a major settlement in months. Dykyi attributed these gains to the exhaustion of Russian forces and increasing losses, which have stalled their offensives across multiple fronts.