31,000 Ukrainian Troops Killed Since Start of Russia's Full-Scale Invasion
February 26, 2024 - Reading time: ~1 minute
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a recent address at the “Ukraine Year 2024” forum in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion two years ago.
This number is significantly lower than estimates given by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of each life lost and acknowledged the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.
However, he did not disclose the number of troops that were wounded or missing in action. He also mentioned that “tens of thousands of civilians” had been killed in occupied areas of Ukraine but stated that no exact figures would be available until the war was over.
This is the first time Kyiv has confirmed the number of its losses since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. While Russia has provided few official casualty figures, a U.S. intelligence report declassified in mid-December 2023 estimated that 315,000 Russian troops had been killed or wounded in Ukraine. If accurate, this figure would represent 87% of the roughly 360,000 troops Russia had before the war.
Independent Russian news outlet Mediazona reported on Saturday that about 75,000 Russian men died fighting in the war during 2022 and 2023. A joint investigation published by Mediazona and Meduza, another independent Russian news site, indicates that Russia’s losses are not slowing down and Moscow is losing approximately 120 men per day.
As the conflict continues to escalate, it remains crucial for both sides to recognize the human cost of this devastating war and work towards a peaceful resolution.
DW Staff
David Lintott is the Editor-in-Chief, leading our team of talented freelance journalists. He specializes in covering culture, sport, and society. Originally from the decaying seaside town of Eastbourne, he attributes his insightful world-weariness to his roots in this unique setting.
You may also like
Liberty University Faces $14 Million Fine Over Unreported Campus Crimes and Mishandling of Sexual Assault Cases
Liberty University has agreed to pay an unprecedented $14 million fine for its failure to disclose information about crimes on its campus and for its treatment of sexual assault survivors, the U.S.
18-Year-Old Girl Held Captive at Religious Boarding School for a Month, Investigation Ongoing
The husband and wife owners of a Missouri boarding school for boys have been jailed and charged with felony crimes after a lengthy investigation by a county sheriff.
Exonerated After 30 years: Daniel Gwynn's Wrongful Conviction in a Philadelphia Arson Case
A Philadelphia man who was convicted and sentenced to death in connection with the 1994 arson murder of a woman is now exonerated 30 years later, the District Attorney's Office announced.
15-Year-Old Sues Walmart Over $4.98 Banana Price Hike
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against the proposed $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons by Kroger, stating that the combination of these two major grocers would result in higher prices for consumers and reduced wages for employees.
Potential $1 Billion Lawsuit Looms for PacifiCorp Over Wildfire Costs in Oregon and California
The U.S. government is considering legal action against PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway owned by Warren Buffett, to recover almost $1 billion in expenses related to the 2020 wildfires in southern Oregon and northern California.