Russia may have lost up to 770,000 troops in Ukraine
Russia may have suffered between 1.4 million and 2.1 million military casualties in Ukraine since its full-scale invasion, including up to 770,000 killed, according to The Economist.
Russian military fatalities continue to rise
The British publication estimates that between 374,000 and 770,000 Russian troops have been killed since the full-scale invasion began. Including wounded personnel, total casualties could range from 1.4 million to 2.1 million.
The latest estimates mark a significant increase compared with previous assessments. In July 2025, The Economist estimated the number of Russian troops killed at between 190,000 and 350,000, with total casualties ranging from 900,000 to 1.3 million.
By May 2026, the estimated death toll had risen to between 280,000 and 518,000, while total casualties were put at between 1.1 million and 1.5 million.
Since May alone, the lower end of the estimated death toll has increased by 94,000, while the upper end has risen by 252,000.
How the estimates were calculated
Russia does not publish reliable official figures on its military losses. The Economist therefore uses a statistical model combining estimates from Western intelligence agencies, defence ministries and independent researchers.
The publication cross-checks these figures against its own monitoring of the war, including the intensity of fighting and changes along the front line.
Drones account for a significant share of casualties
The Economist also notes that Ukrainian drones have accounted for a significant share of Russian military casualties in 2026.
Since the beginning of the year, Ukrainian forces have killed or wounded an estimated 302,000 Russian troops using drones. However, the available estimates do not establish the exact number of those killed and wounded separately.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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