**Russian Military Deaths in Ukraine Soar: Over 118,000 Soldiers Confirmed Killed**
A recent investigation by Russian independent media outlet Mediazona and the BBC Russian service has shed light on a staggering number of Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine. As of July 11, the media outlets have confirmed the identities of 118,139 Russian soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict.
The verified information covers the period from February 24, 2022, to July 11, 2025. What’s more alarming is that since the last update at the end of June, an additional 2,282 Russian military personnel have been confirmed killed. The actual figures are likely much higher, as the investigation relied on public sources such as obituaries, social media posts by relatives, and statements from local authorities.
**Moscow’s Secrecy on Military Losses**
It’s no secret that Moscow rarely reports its losses in Ukraine. In fact, the same can be said about Kyiv, which has been reluctant to share information on casualties. The Kyiv Independent couldn’t verify the figures provided by Mediazona and the BBC Russian service. However, Ukraine estimates that Russia’s overall casualties during the full-scale war have surpassed 1 million.
**Foreign Nationals Among the Dead**
The investigation also revealed a disturbing trend of foreign nationals being recruited to fight for Russia. A staggering 523 individuals from 28 countries were killed while serving in the Russian army, despite not holding Russian citizenship at the time they signed military contracts. The largest number of foreign casualties came from Tajikistan (72) and Uzbekistan (66), with many recruited from Russian prisons.
Many of these foreign nationals had signed contracts with the Wagner mercenary group, according to the investigation. The list also includes citizens of Nepal and Georgia, mostly natives of Moscow-occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In a shocking revelation, an American citizen, Michael Gloss, who was the son of a deputy director of the CIA, was killed in April 2024 after signing a military contract in September 2023.
**Commentary**
The findings by Mediazona and the BBC Russian service are a stark reminder of the human cost of war. The numbers are staggering, and the fact that foreign nationals were recruited to fight on behalf of Russia is a damning indictment of the country’s military tactics.
This investigation highlights the need for greater transparency from both Moscow and Kyiv regarding military losses. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it’s essential to remember the individuals who have lost their lives or been affected by this war.
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