Over 248,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation

Independent Russian media outlet Mediazona, in partnership with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of over 248,844 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine, according to a recent wire report. The latest tally, which covers confirmed military deaths from February 24, 2022, to September 10, 2026, includes 6,097 additional Russian soldiers, bringing the total to the new figure.

The journalists note that the actual death toll is likely higher, as their information is sourced from public records such as obituaries, relatives' posts, regional media reports, and local authorities' statements. The confirmed death toll now includes over 80,679 volunteers, 88,600 other volunteers, 26,979 recruited prisoners, and 20,350 mobilized soldiers.

A total of 7,656 officers have been confirmed killed. In 231,300 cases, the date of death is known, accounting for nearly 93% of the confirmed casualties. While casualty estimates have differed, Western assessments have consistently concluded that Russian losses significantly surpass Ukrainian casualties. Ukrainian General Staff reported Russian casualties, including killed, captured, wounded, or missing, at 1,506,900 since the full-scale invasion began.

British intelligence officials estimated 500,000 Russian troops killed in the war against Ukraine on September 11. Western intelligence reported Russia's Armed Forces failed to meet its recruitment target of 30,000 soldiers per month in 2026, losing more soldiers than they recruited monthly. Mediazona's reporting led the Kremlin to add the outlet to its list of "foreign agents" for a second time on August 21.