At least 6,083 elite Russian soldiers have been confirmed killed in action since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to a report by BBC Russian Service on January 10.
The fatalities include members of Russia’s most highly trained military units: paratroopers, naval infantry, special forces operatives, and military pilots.
Heavy Toll Among Elite Units
Airborne Forces: Russia’s airborne troops (VDV) have seen the highest casualties, with 3,957 confirmed deaths. This includes 3,240 professional paratroopers and 654 officers. The famed 331st Guards Paratrooper Regiment from Kostroma alone has lost 237 soldiers, including its commander.
Naval Infantry: Russia’s naval infantry suffered 1,247 fatalities, with 214 officers among them. When factoring in mobilized troops, volunteers, and convicts attached to these units, the total climbs to 1,685 deaths.
Special Forces (GRU): GRU special forces, known for their elite training and covert operations, have endured 580 confirmed losses, including 108 officers. The 24th Guards Special Forces Brigade suffered the most significant casualties, with at least 80 confirmed deaths, including senior officers.
Military Pilots: The war has also claimed the lives of 267 Russian military pilots, a particularly devastating loss given the years of training required. Each pilot’s training costs an estimated $14 million, and the average age of those killed is 40. Among them was 63-year-old retired Major General Kanamat Botashev, who was flying missions for the Wagner Group when he was killed.
By September 2022, there were 900 confirmed deaths among these troops. That number has now surged nearly sevenfold.
The losses were particularly high in the war’s early months when elite units spearheaded key operations. However, these troops were later pulled back to regroup, with much of the frontline fighting handed over to newly mobilized soldiers, volunteers, and convicts.
Overall Russian Casualties
Journalists have identified 88,055 confirmed Russian military deaths in Ukraine, including 4,595 officers. Losses among personnel from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and Federal Protective Service (FSO) include 114 confirmed fatalities.
