**Russia Orders Massive Number of Death Certificates for Soldiers’ Families**
In a stark reminder of the human cost of war, Russia’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has placed orders for over 307,900 death certificates since the start of its invasion of Ukraine. According to reports from independent Russian outlet Verstka, this number far exceeds pre-invasion levels, with the scale of current purchases outpacing previous years.
While death certificates were issued before the war, the sheer volume of recent procurements is a chilling indicator of Russia’s significant losses in Ukraine. The records do not distinguish between service in Ukraine and other conflicts, but the timing of the spike in procurement coincides with Russia’s heavy casualties in the war-torn country.
**Massive Losses in the War**
Russia does not release official casualty numbers, but independent estimates suggest that thousands of soldiers have lost their lives since the invasion began. Media outlet Mediazona, in partnership with the BBC’s Russian service, has verified the identities of 109,625 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine using open-source materials such as obituaries and social media posts.
The investigators caution that this number is likely a significant underestimate of the real death toll. Ukraine’s military places the total number of Russian personnel killed or seriously wounded since the invasion at an astonishing 982,840 as of May 27. These figures include not only fatalities but also troops permanently removed from combat due to injury.
**Commentary**
The massive number of death certificates ordered by Russia is a stark reminder of the human cost of war. The fact that this number far exceeds pre-invasion levels is a chilling indicator of the scale of Russia’s losses in Ukraine. While the exact numbers are disputed, one thing is clear: thousands of lives have been lost on both sides since the start of the conflict.
As we continue to follow this developing story, it is essential to remember the human cost of war. The families of those who have lost their loved ones deserve our respect and support.
**Background**
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, marking a significant escalation of tensions between the two countries. Since then, both sides have suffered heavy losses, with thousands of lives lost on both sides. The exact numbers are disputed, but one thing is clear: this conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians and military personnel alike.
**What’s Next?**
As we continue to report on this story, our goal remains the same: to provide accurate and reliable information to those affected by this conflict. We believe that independent journalism can play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable for their actions.
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