The total number of casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war could reach 2 million by this spring. This includes soldiers who were killed, wounded, or went missing during nearly four years of conflict, says a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
At present, the invasion shows no sign of stopping. These losses are higher than those of any major power in any war since World War II.
Russia-Ukraine War ; A Deep Dive into the Numbers
The study provides a grim breakdown. The report estimates that Russia has suffered about 1.2 million casualties. This figure includes as many as 325,000 deaths.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have also paid a heavy price. Close to 600,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed, wounded, or reported missing. These figures highlight the immense scale of the ongoing war of attrition.
Historically Slow Military Advances
Despite seizing the initiative in 2024, Russian forces are moving at a remarkably slow pace. Their most prominent offensives advance at an average rate of only 15 to 70 metres per day. This is slower than almost any major campaign in the last century.
To put this in perspective, compare it to the Red Army during World War II. It took the Red Army 1,394 days to reach Berlin after the German invasion. Russia hit that same 1,394-day mark on 19 December 2025. However, their forces had barely reached Pokrovsk, which is over 500 kilometres from Kyiv.
Economic Strain and the Energy Crisis
The Russian war economy is now under mounting pressure. Manufacturing is declining, and growth slowed to just 0.6 percent in 2025. Furthermore, Russia lacks globally competitive technology firms to drive long-term productivity.
Russia’s air campaign has also targeted Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. High-intensity strikes have used ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Consequently, Ukraine’s energy system could only meet 60 percent of national demand by January 2026. This has led to prolonged blackouts in major cities like Kyiv.
Foreign Support and Mobilisation
Russia continues its war of attrition with help from international partners. China, Iran, and North Korea have assisted in producing tanks, munitions, and drones. Additionally, Russia benefits from a much larger pool of soldiers for mobilisation.
Despite these factors, Russia struggles to maintain its status as a great power. It lags in almost every category of economic and technological indicators. The military’s poor performance and high casualty rates remain a significant burden.
Q&A: Understanding the Conflict’s Impact
How do current casualties compare to previous wars?
The losses in this conflict are higher than those of any major power since 1945.
Why is the Russian military advance considered slow?
Russian troops advance at a rate of 15 to 70 metres daily. This is historically slow compared to major 20th-century offensives.
How has the war affected Ukraine’s electricity?
By early 2026, strikes reduced Ukraine’s energy capacity to 60 percent. This causes frequent and long blackouts in Kyiv.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total estimated casualty count for both sides?
The combined total is expected to hit 2 million by the spring of 2026.
Which countries are supporting Russia’s weapons production?
Russia receives help from China, Iran, and North Korea to produce battle tanks and drones.
What was the 1,394-day milestone?
It represents the time it took the Red Army to reach Berlin in WWII. Russia reached this duration in December 2025 but remained far from its goals.
Is the Russian economy growing?
Growth has slowed significantly to 0.6 percent, with manufacturing in decline