The Ukraine war has resulted in nearly 1.4 million military casualties, according to a recent study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The report says Russia alone has suffered 1 million troop losses, while Ukraine’s toll is around 400,000.
The Numbers: Brutal and One-Sided
Out of Russia’s 1 million casualties, around 250,000 are estimated to be deaths. Ukraine, with fewer troops, has lost between 60,000 to 100,000 soldiers. Russia’s numbers might seem massive, but its larger population and alliances (yes, even North Korea is pitching in soldiers) give it more bodies to throw at the front. Ukraine, meanwhile, is stretched thin.
And yet, it’s Russia’s war to lose.
The Progress: A Costly Crawl
According to the study, Russia’s advance is painfully slow — just 165 feet a day in some areas. Since January 2024, they’ve gained less than 1% of Ukrainian land.
Let that sink in: 1 million Russian casualties for a sliver of land smaller than a New York borough. As of now, Russia controls 19% of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it grabbed back in 2014.
Which means?
Over three years, Russia’s real gain is only about 7% — and that came at the cost of massive military and naval losses, including a third of its Black Sea fleet and long-range bombers.
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Russia’s “Strength” Is Just a PR Campaign
Russia continues to undercount its own dead to look strong. Ukraine, on the other hand, mostly stays quiet on troop losses to keep morale intact. The truth? This is a war of attrition with no glory.
Seth G. Jones, co-author of the CSIS report, said it bluntly to The New York Times:
“They’ve taken a tiny amount of territory and lost massive amounts of equipment.”
His take? If Trump wins in 2024 and pulls US support from Ukraine, Russia might actually win. Otherwise, Putin’s stuck in a very expensive deadlock.
So What’s the Endgame?
This isn’t just about territory. It’s about survival, power, and global influence. Russia wants control. Ukraine wants sovereignty. And the rest of the world? It’s watching closely, wallets in hand.
For a war that was supposed to end in days, we’re now past year three.
And the scoreboard shows mostly blood, not borders.
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