Russia’s military death toll in Ukraine has surpassed 70,000, according to a detailed analysis conducted by the BBC and Mediazona, as the war approaches its third year. For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, volunteers—civilians who enlisted in the armed forces—have become the largest group of those killed in action.
This grim milestone reflects the shifting demographics of Russia’s military casualties. The data reveals that 13,781 of the 70,112 confirmed deaths were volunteers, making up roughly 20% of the total fatalities. Former prisoners, who joined the military in exchange for pardons, previously had the highest death rate, but now account for 19% of all confirmed losses. Mobilized soldiers, citizens conscripted after President Vladimir Putin’s partial mobilization order in 2022, make up 13%.
The information, sourced from official reports, social media, and cemetery records, suggests that the actual death toll could be significantly higher, as it does not account for militia fighters in Russian-occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk or deaths not publicly reported by families.
Volunteers on the Frontlines
Volunteers, many of them from economically depressed regions of Russia, are increasingly being deployed to some of the most perilous areas of the conflict, particularly in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces have adopted a “meat grinder” strategy. This tactic involves relentless waves of soldiers attacking Ukrainian positions, often with minimal equipment or artillery support. Drone footage has captured these assaults, showing Russian troops advancing with little protection, leading to high casualty rates.
In some weeks, volunteer deaths have exceeded 300, with fatalities remaining above 100 per week since October 2022. Most volunteers killed in action are between the ages of 42 and 50, with 4,100 deaths recorded in this age group. The oldest volunteer to have died was 71 years old, while 250 volunteers aged 60 and above have been confirmed dead.
One such volunteer was 62-year-old Rinat Khusniyarov from Ufa, Bashkortostan. A tram depot worker and factory laborer, Khusniyarov enlisted in November 2022 but was killed just three months later. His story mirrors that of many volunteers, who are lured by the promise of higher pay—five to seven times the average wage in some areas—and social benefits like free childcare and tax breaks.
Training and Equipment Failures
Many soldiers, including volunteers, have criticized the inadequate training and equipment provided by the Russian military. One volunteer told the BBC he was promised two weeks of training before being deployed but was instead rushed to the front after minimal preparation. “We were loaded onto trains, then trucks, and sent to the front. Some people went from the recruitment office to battle in just a week,” he said.
Equipment shortages and poor quality have exacerbated the situation. Soldiers describe being issued outdated gear, such as bulletproof vests and helmets from the mid-20th century, with many resorting to purchasing their own equipment to survive.
Military analysts have pointed out that the lack of basic infantry skills, such as camouflage and movement techniques, is contributing to the rising death toll. The Russian defense ministry’s own report highlights that 39% of soldier deaths result from limb injuries, which could be mitigated with better first aid and medical care.
Russia Avoids New Mobilization, Ramps Up Volunteer Recruitment
Despite mounting casualties, the Kremlin appears reluctant to initiate a new wave of forced mobilization. Instead, it has intensified recruitment efforts for volunteers, offering increased financial incentives and targeting vulnerable populations, including those with debt or legal issues. Convicted prisoners are still being recruited, with some now being offered the chance to avoid criminal prosecution by serving in the military.
Foreign nationals living in Russia, particularly from Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, have also been recruited, with many later claiming they did not understand the contracts they signed. Governments, including those of India and Nepal, have asked Moscow to stop sending their citizens to Ukraine and repatriate the bodies of the deceased.
A Protracted Conflict with No End in Sight
As Russia continues to suffer heavy losses, Ukrainian forces are also facing substantial casualties. While Ukraine rarely comments on its military deaths, U.S. intelligence estimates suggest that the losses on both sides are considerable. In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, though many believe the true figure is higher.
With Russia’s military strategy increasingly reliant on volunteers and former prisoners, the human cost of the conflict continues to mount. Both sides are entrenched in a grinding war, with no clear resolution on the horizon.
By [Your Name], International Correspondent