The BBC and Mediazona reported the death of more than 128,000 Russian soldiers in the war with Ukraine.

By the beginning of September 2025, research groups from the “BBC Russian Service” and “Mediazona” recorded the names of 128,115 Russian servicemen who died during Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. In June, July, and August, 23,305 new obituaries were found.

Total Losses and Counting Methods

On certain days, about 400-420 obituaries were published, which is three times the average figures for 2024. However, the number of published messages does not always correspond to the confirmed loss lines in a given period. Considering the delay in notifying relatives of deaths and the time needed to verify information, the results of the summer offensive cannot yet be finalized.

Share of Mobilized and Volunteers

15% of all the deceased are prisoners recruited to participate in the conflict. Among other temporary categories, 29% are volunteers on the front line. The share of the latter is increasing, as contract soldiers who joined the army after the start of the war form the basis of the Russian offensive force. The mobilized account for 11% of the total number of deceased, but the true losses may be higher since obituaries often do not specify the status.

Expert Comments

As of the end of August 2025, the conclusions of “Meduza” and “Mediazona” indicate at least 220,000 Russian military personnel have died since the beginning of the conflict. The calculations are based on the Register of Inheritance Cases; the information published by Rosstat on mortality does not provide clear data, and registered cases become the only reliable sources on the deceased.

Losses at the Peak of the Offensive

According to new data, during peak periods of the offensive in Donbas, the Russian army was losing about 2,000 people per week. The total number of deceased servicemen has already exceeded 200,000.

According to permissible statistical data, the factors influencing these figures vary, but further clarifications require time for analysis. The complex situation on the front leads to high loss rates, as evidenced by many established facts. It is likely that new information on losses will become available soon.

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