The scale of war losses in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains staggering. Reports indicate that Russia is losing roughly 1,000 soldiers every day in the fighting. This figure, which includes both those killed and those wounded, is about three times greater than the daily toll on Ukrainian forces.
Heavy Daily War Losses Reported in the Conflict
The average breakdown of these Russian war losses is said to be around 500 killed and another 500 wounded every 24 hours. These numbers highlight the fierce and constant nature of the battles taking place, particularly in eastern Ukraine, where the fighting is most intense.
Detailed figures for Aug. 11 provide an even clearer picture. On that day alone, Russian forces reportedly lost 531 soldiers killed, 428 injured, and nine captured. Ukraine, in contrast, reported 18 soldiers killed, 243 wounded, and 79 missing, adding up to a total of 340 casualties. This gap in war losses — roughly one to three — reflects the toll that constant offensives and defensive operations are taking on both sides.
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Battlefield Situation and War Losses Imbalance
Despite the high war losses, Russian forces have continued to push forward in certain regions. In recent months, they have been able to gain ground, especially in the Donetsk region. Observers link this progress to Ukraine’s difficulties in maintaining fully staffed and equipped brigades.
Ukrainian units, particularly in the east, have been facing a shortage of infantry. This has made it harder for them to hold defensive positions against larger attacking forces. In some cases, Russian troops have taken advantage of these gaps to move forward.
One of the most notable recent movements took place near the town of Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast. Earlier this week, Russian forces reportedly advanced up to 10 kilometers in this sector. This movement was part of a broader offensive aimed at areas between two key contested towns — Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka. These locations hold strategic importance, and the fighting around them has been especially intense.
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Cumulative war losses since the start of the full-scale invasion are reported to be immense. Ukrainian sources estimate that Russia’s total casualties — including those killed, wounded, and captured — have surpassed 1 million. This figure is consistent with some Western estimates.
Ukraine’s own losses are also heavy. A study conducted in June suggested that around 400,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed or wounded since the beginning of 2022. These numbers underline the severe human cost of the conflict on both sides.
When it comes to the size of the armed forces, Ukraine’s military is estimated to have about 880,000 personnel. Russia’s invasion force numbers around 600,000. However, Russia’s ability to concentrate troops in certain key areas often gives it a numerical edge during specific battles.
Weapons, Drones, and Tactical Advantages
The fighting is not only about soldiers — weapons, artillery, and technology also play a major role in shaping the battlefield. Russia holds a clear advantage in artillery power. Reports suggest a 1-to-2.4 ratio in Russia’s favor, meaning it has more heavy guns and rocket systems to bombard positions over longer periods. This allows Russian forces to keep up steady fire against defensive lines, making it more difficult for Ukrainian troops to hold ground.
On the other hand, Ukraine has developed a strong capability in the use of first-person-view (FPV) drones. These are remotely operated drones equipped with cameras that allow for precise targeting and strikes. At present, Ukraine reportedly has a 1-to-1.4 advantage in these drones compared to Russia. With more financial support from partners, this advantage could grow to 1-to-4.
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FPV drones have become an important part of Ukraine’s strategy, used for both reconnaissance and targeted attacks on enemy positions. However, while drones can make a tactical difference, they cannot fully make up for shortages in infantry. Without enough soldiers on the front lines, holding territory remains challenging.
The combination of Russia’s artillery dominance, its ability to focus manpower in key areas, and Ukraine’s infantry shortages has shaped much of the current fighting. Even so, the reported daily war losses — with Russian losses said to be three times higher — remain one of the most striking statistics in the war so far.