BBC Russian Service and Mediazona uncover the names of more than 5,700 Russian soldiers who died in Ukraine
Journalists from the BBC Russian Service and Mediazona, together with a team of volunteers, published updated data on the deaths of Russian servicemen in Ukraine. As of August 19, they've been able to confirm the deaths of 5,701 people.
The journalists compiled the statistics based on reports from local authorities, the media, and relatives of the dead (while, as noted, heads of Russian regions are speaking publicly about the deaths of military personnel with increasing frequency). They estimate that their list contains 40-60% fewer names than the actual number who've been buried in Russia.
Of the 5,701 identified Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine, 966 (17%) were officers. Junior officers accounted for the largest share of casualties. Four generals and 34 colonels were also among the dead. However, the most recent news about the death of a Russian general appeared in June.
Dagestan (270 people), Buryatia (245), and the Krasnodar (206) region have the largest number of confirmed losses. By comparison, only 14 people from Moscow are known to have died, even though the capital accounts for almost 9% of the Russian population.
Infantrymen and paratroopers ranked first in terms of casualties. The fastest-growing category remains those described by Russian officials as "volunteers." The BBC also learned about the deaths of 66 military pilots.
The Russian Defense Ministry last reported the death toll on March 25, 2022. At that time, it was claimed that 1,351 Russian servicemen died.
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces estimates the number of Russian troops casualties at more than 44,000 people.
As of early August, the Pentagon estimates that Russia has lost between 70,000 and 80,000 servicemen in Ukraine. Those numbers include those wounded in the invasion.
