The Russian army may have suffered up to 2.1 million killed and wounded

Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian army may have lost between 1.4 million and 2.1 million troops killed and wounded. The number killed is estimated at 374,000–770,000. These estimates are included in a study by The Economist, published on October 30, 2026.

The study compares estimates from different periods of the war. Before the current October range, the following figures were reported:

• July 2025 — Russian military deaths were estimated at 190,000–350,000, with total casualties—killed and wounded—ranging from 900,000 to 1.3 million.
• May 2026 — the estimated number killed rose to 280,000–518,000, and total casualties to 1.1–1.5 million.

Thus, between the May and October estimates, the lower estimate for deaths increased by 94,000, while the upper estimate rose by 252,000. These are estimates, not a confirmed, individually verified death toll.

The Economist notes that Russia does not publish complete, reliable statistics on its military losses. In these circumstances, analysts use a statistical model that combines information from Western intelligence agencies, defense ministries, and independent researchers. They compare it with the publication’s own monitoring system, which takes into account the intensity of combat and changes to the front line.

Ukrainian data also point to heavy Russian army losses. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as of October 29, enemy losses for October stood at 49,040 troops. This is the highest monthly figure since the start of the full-scale invasion. The previous record was set in December 2024, when the Ukrainian side reported 48,670 enemy troops lost.

Drones play an important role in striking Russian troops. According to Ukrainian estimates, since the beginning of 2026, the Defense Forces have killed or wounded around 302,000 Russian service members using drones.

We previously reported:

• Russia’s monthly losses estimated at over 50,000 — around ten times higher than Ukraine’s
• Russia lost 42,860 troops in July — a 2026 record; the total for the first seven months is already 238,000, General Staff says
• NATO: Russia’s losses exceed 1.4 million, but Russia retains the initiative and is applying pressure in the Pokrovsk direction
• Over 1.3 million casualties: Zelenskyy releases data from Russian secret reports
• Homegrown Mavic equivalent, eye-catching figures, and big promises from new Defense Minister Fedorov