Russia Loses More Than 50,000 Troops in September, Including Up to 28,000 Killed, NATO Says

Russian forces suffered more than 50,000 casualties in Ukraine during September 2026, including as many as 28,000 soldiers killed, according to estimates provided by a senior NATO military official.

According to Bloomberg on October 11, the NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, estimated Ukrainian casualties during the same period at approximately 5,000 personnel. If accurate, the figures indicate that Russian losses were more than ten times higher than those sustained by Ukrainian forces.

The official attributed Russia’s high casualty figures partly to its continued use of infantry assaults against heavily defended Ukrainian positions. Russian troops have been advancing through areas described as “kill zones,” where Ukrainian forces employ attack drones, land mines, artillery, and other defensive systems.

Despite the reported losses, Russian forces have continued offensive operations in an effort to capture additional Ukrainian territory.

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Category

War in Ukraine

Russia’s September Troop Losses Hit Record High as Ukraine Takes Ground Back in the Donetsk Sector

Oct 01, 2026 12:13

Bloomberg reported that Ukraine has simultaneously intensified strikes against Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries and data centers, while Ukrainian ground forces have recaptured more than 125 square kilometers of territory.

The Kremlin has not released official figures for its military losses, and the NATO estimates have not been independently verified.

Earlier, Ukraine’s General Staff reported that Russian forces suffered 46,230 personnel losses in September, the highest monthly figure recorded in 2026. The total surpassed 42,860 losses in July and 42,020 in August, reflecting a continued increase in Russian casualties throughout the year.

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