Overview of Casualties
Recent data analyzed by the BBC reveals that more than 70,000 Russian military personnel have died in Ukraine since the onset of the conflict. For the first time, volunteers—civilians who enlisted after the war began—now represent the largest share of battlefield fatalities.
Daily Remembrance of the Fallen
Every day, Russian media and social networks publish the names, obituaries, and photographs of those killed in Ukraine. BBC Russian, along with independent site Mediazona, has compiled these names from various sources, ensuring they are verified by official reports or family acknowledgments.
The Numbers
The analysis identified 70,112 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, though the actual toll is likely higher. Many families choose not to disclose their loved ones’ deaths, and the data does not account for militia casualties in Russian-occupied regions. Among the dead, 13,781 were volunteers, accounting for approximately 20% of all casualties. This figure surpasses that of former prisoners, who made up 19% of deaths.
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Increasing Fatalities Among Volunteers
Since October, weekly volunteer fatalities have consistently exceeded 100, with some weeks witnessing over 310 deaths. In contrast, Ukrainian officials have been less forthcoming about their own casualties, with President Zelensky stating 31,000 soldiers had died, while U.S. intelligence suggests the actual number could be significantly higher.
Personal Stories: The Case of Rinat Khusniyarov
Rinat Khusniyarov, a 62-year-old from Ufa, is emblematic of many volunteers. Working two jobs to support his family, he enlisted in November and was killed just three months later. His obituary described him simply as “a hardworking, decent man.”
Demographics of Volunteers
Most volunteers hail from smaller towns in Russia where stable employment is scarce. While many join willingly, reports indicate some from Chechnya faced coercion. Additionally, volunteers often did not comprehend the lifelong commitment associated with the contracts they signed.
Economic Incentives for Joining
Salaries for military personnel can be five to seven times higher than local wages, supplemented by social benefits such as free childcare and tax breaks. One-time signing bonuses have also increased, attracting more recruits.
Age and Deployment Challenges
The majority of volunteer casualties are aged between 42 and 50, with over 4,100 volunteers in this age bracket. The oldest reported volunteer was 71, and around 250 volunteers over 60 have died in the conflict. Reports indicate that many volunteers are being deployed to the most dangerous front-line areas, contributing to rising casualty rates.
Russia’s Military Strategy
Russian soldiers describe the ongoing military strategy as a “meat grinder,” characterized by relentless waves of troops sent to exhaust Ukrainian forces. Drone footage reveals assaults lacking adequate support, leading to significant daily casualties.
Medical Care and Casualty Rates
A study by Russia’s military medical directorate indicates that 39% of soldier fatalities stem from limb injuries, suggesting that improved medical training and care could reduce mortality rates.
Recruitment Strategies
The Russian government appears reluctant to initiate a new official wave of mobilization, instead intensifying recruitment efforts for volunteers. Regional officials are directed to recruit from local communities, targeting individuals with financial difficulties and conducting campaigns in educational institutions.
Foreign Volunteers
A small number of volunteers from other countries have also been identified, with 272 men from Central Asia and reports of recruitment efforts extending to countries like Cuba and Serbia. Promises of citizenship and job security are offered to foreigners, but many have reported misunderstandings regarding their contracts.
International Concerns
Governments such as those of India and Nepal have urged Moscow to cease recruiting their citizens and repatriate the deceased, but these requests have yet to be acted upon.
Training and Equipment Issues
New recruits have voiced dissatisfaction with their training, claiming they received inadequate preparation before being sent to the front lines. Reports indicate that equipment quality varies widely, with many soldiers lacking essential gear, forcing them to purchase their own supplies.
Data Source : bbc