In recent months, the toll of Russian soldiers in the ongoing war in Ukraine has seen a significant increase. A recent BBC analysis reveals that obituaries of fallen soldiers surged by 40% in 2025 compared to the previous year, coinciding with intensified peace talks led by the U.S.
To date, the BBC has verified nearly 160,000 Russian deaths in Ukraine. However, the true figure is likely much higher. Experts suggest that our data, based on obituaries and reports, may only cover 45% to 65% of total casualties. That could mean around 243,000 to 352,000 deaths among Russian forces.
The number of published obituaries fluctuates throughout the year, reflecting the intensity of fighting. January showed a lull in reported losses, but activity surged in February during direct talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This coincided with an average of 322 obituaries per day, the highest since the start of the year.
There’s no single reason for these casualties, but Russia’s recent territorial gains might play a role in their military strategy. Kremlin officials like Yuri Ushakov have pointed to “recent successes” as a way to boost their negotiating power with the U.S.
One notable case is that of Murat Mukashev, an activist who initially opposed Putin’s policies. He had been involved in protests against police violence and had publicly denounced the war. However, after his imprisonment in 2024, he signed up for military service, believing it might lead to an earlier release due to looming peace talks. Sadly, he was killed in action in June 2025.
Mukashev’s story highlights a troubling trend: many recruits are individuals who had no military background at the start of the invasion. In 2025, one-third of Russian military fatalities were reported to be volunteers, up from just 15% the previous year.
Local governments in Russia are actively recruiting, often targeting struggling communities and students. They offer enticing incentives, making military service seem like an escape from personal debts. In 2025 alone, over 336,000 people enlisted, surpassing casualities reported by NATO, which suggests 25,000 Russian soldiers die every month.
Despite heavy losses, many who enlist believe they can return to civilian life after a year, unaware that new contracts typically extend until the conflict ends. According to NATO, the total number of dead and wounded Russian soldiers may be as high as 1.1 million, with fatalities around 250,000.
In comparison, Ukraine has also suffered greatly. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently estimated battlefield deaths at around 46,000, with many more injured or missing. This highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict on both sides.
The data and stories from the frontlines shed light on the complexity of the conflict, revealing not just statistics but the painful realities faced by those involved.
