Ukraine faces a critical shortage of trained soldiers as the war drags on, with estimates suggesting staggering losses.
British publication The Economist pegs the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed or severely injured at around 500,000. Of these, approximately 100,000 are believed to have died, while 400,000 were so seriously wounded they can no longer fight. This grim figure, derived from intelligence reports, defense official statements, and open sources, implies that nearly one in 20 Ukrainian men of combat age has been removed from combat since February 2022.
While neither Ukraine nor Russia disclose their losses, these numbers remain difficult to verify. Critics note that the 100,000 killed estimate has circulated since late 2022, raising the possibility that the true toll is much higher. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faced backlash in November 2022 after referencing this figure, which was later cut from her speech.
Russian casualties are equally hard to pin down, with estimates ranging from 350,000 to over 750,000 killed or injured. Critics argue these figures often come from Ukrainian or U.S. sources, which may have motives to inflate enemy losses. Political commentator Douglas MacGregor previously claimed 400,000 Ukrainian soldiers had fallen as early as last year, suggesting current numbers are even higher. He also estimated Ukraine’s casualties are seven times greater than Russia’s, highlighting the severe human toll of the ongoing conflict.
