Russia’s decision to launch a large-scale invasion in Ukraine has cost the country approximately 2 million citizens. Research conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) shows that the toll represents about 1% of the country’s population.
The number of victims probably exceeded the toll of the Battle of Stalingrad, considered one of the bloodiest conflicts in history. The confrontations took place between August 23, 1942, and February 2, 1943, during the Second World War. At that time, in total, the states involved in the war lost about two million people, of which over 1 million were Soviets.
Losses are not evenly distributed across the territory of Russia, with poorer areas and ethnic minorities recording higher rates. According to the study, Moscow is currently unable to recruit new troops at the same pace as it loses them.
The report also indicates that Russia’s military losses in Ukraine (dead, wounded, and missing) are more than four times greater than the total military losses suffered by the United States in all conflicts since World War II, and over nine times greater than the total Soviet and Russian military losses in all wars fought after 1945, notes news.ro.
At the same time, it is estimated that Ukraine recorded between 525,000 and 625,000 victims, including between 125,000 and 150,000 deaths.
Neither Russia nor Ukraine publish official data regarding the victims.
Regardless of the reasons, the data presents a horrifying picture: with a total
CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies) is headquartered in Washington. It is one of the most influential American think tanks in the field of foreign policy, security, and defense. It was founded in 1962, initially within Georgetown University, and since 1987 it operates as an independent, nonprofit, and bipartisan institution.