As of December 6, journalists and volunteers from BBC Russia and Mediazona have identified 82,050 Russian soldiers who have died during Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The findings expose the heavy toll on Russia's poorer and marginalized regions, with Bashkortostan reporting the highest number of casualties.
According to the Kyiv Independent, the Ukrainian military estimates that Russia's total losses—dead and injured—have exceeded 750,000 soldiers. Daily casualty reports suggest highs of up to 1,500 soldiers as Moscow employs mass wave attacks to push for gains in eastern Ukraine, often at devastating human costs.
Russian authorities remain tight-lipped about their losses, but a Defense Ministry official recently disclosed that 48,000 requests have been made to identify missing soldiers.
Recruitment Struggles
Faced with staggering losses, Russia has avoided full-scale mobilization, likely fearing public backlash.
Instead, the government has boosted sign-on bonuses to attract volunteers. However, recent reports indicate that Moscow's losses are now outpacing its ability to recruit new soldiers.
Russia has also turned to international sources, with North Korea reportedly sending 10,000-12,000 troops to bolster Moscow’s forces.
With losses mounting and recruitment faltering, the sustainability of Moscow’s military campaign is under increasing scrutiny.
The conflict's toll on human lives and its uneven impact on marginalized regions have raised questions about the long-term consequences for Russia’s domestic and international standing.
