
Ukrainian Soldiers Photo: AP
Russian Losses Surpasses Grim Milestone Amid Escalating Tensions
Russian military losses in Ukraine have reached another grim milestone, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate, according to figures released by Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Since the war began, Moscow has reportedly lost nearly 2,000 soldiers per day, with total casualties exceeding 800,000. Ukraine’s tally includes soldiers either killed or wounded in action.
To help put things into perspective, the United States of America has never had anywhere near 800,000 casualties. The closest the USA has ever came to these numbers was during the American Civil War, when the combined American lives lost was around 620,000 lives. Even if you add up WWI, WWII, Vietnam and Korea, the U.S. total losses add up to 615,000. Russia has lost 800,000 lives in its bid to destroy Ukraine.
Despite significant territorial gains through the end of 2024, Russia’s advances have come at a steep cost. President Vladimir Putin’s forces broke their own monthly casualty records for three consecutive months in October, November, and December.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Russian and Ukrainian Ministries of Defense were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Why It Matters
Russia’s mounting military losses are significant, as Moscow faces an ongoing manpower shortage that could hinder its ability to sustain the conflict. High troop and equipment losses are expected to weaken Russia’s defensive capabilities, potentially paving the way for further Ukrainian counterattacks.
As of January 7, 2025, North Korea has deployed approximately 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers to support Russian forces in the Kursk region amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that these North Korean troops have suffered significant casualties, with an estimated 3,800 soldiers killed or wounded.

The deployment of North Korean forces marks a notable development in the conflict, indicating increased international involvement. The high casualty rates among these troops highlight the intense and ongoing nature of the hostilities in the region.
Key Statistics
Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported that Russian daily casualties reached 1,970 soldiers on January 7. This marks a new high, with daily losses previously ranging between 1,000 and 1,500. The pace of Russia’s monthly casualties has increased steadily since September 2023, peaking in December 2024.
In addition to losing its own troops, Russia has also suffered significant casualties among North Korean soldiers fighting alongside its forces in Kursk. An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to the frontlines in Kursk, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that North Korea lost up to a battalion of infantry in two days of fighting in a southern village in the region. The Pentagon previously estimated North Korea’s total losses in Kursk to be around 1,000 soldiers.
Today marks exactly five months since the start of our actions in the Kursk region, and we continue to maintain a buffer zone on Russian territory, actively destroying their military potential there. During the Kursk operation, the enemy has already lost over 38,000 soldiers in… pic.twitter.com/aLWbrjZvxH
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 6, 2025
Statements from Zelensky
In his daily address, Zelensky noted that over 38,000 Russian soldiers have been lost in Kursk alone since Ukraine launched its offensive there five months ago, with approximately 15,000 classified as irrecoverable losses—either killed or permanently incapacitated.
While Ukraine rarely discloses its own casualty numbers, Zelensky revealed in December 2024 that Kyiv’s military personnel losses totaled 43,000, with 370,000 soldiers injured since the war began. He also stated that roughly 50% of those wounded have returned to active duty. However, some analysts believe these figures underestimate Kyiv’s actual losses, speculating that they may be in the hundreds of thousands.
The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has reported 11,743 civilian deaths and 24,614 civilian injuries since the conflict began.

International Reactions
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine shared an update on X, formerly known as Twitter, citing Louis XIV: “There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself.” The post highlighted Kyiv’s latest figures on Russian casualties.
British Defense Intelligence echoed Ukraine’s reports, stating in a daily update on January 7 that Russian forces sustained 429,660 casualties (killed and wounded) in 2024, a significant increase from the 252,940 casualties recorded in 2023. Since the conflict’s onset, Russia has likely incurred over 790,000 casualties, according to Ukrainian General Staff reports.
What Happens Next
Russia is expected to face continued high manpower losses as fighting intensifies in Kursk. Ukraine recently launched a new offensive in southern Kursk, escalating the conflict further. Speculation continues over whether the incoming U.S. administration will push for a ceasefire and renewed peace talks.
As of January 7, 2025, the Biden administration has announced a substantial aid package to Ukraine, totaling nearly $6 billion. This assistance comprises approximately $2.5 billion in military aid and $3.4 billion in direct budget support.
Breakdown of the Aid Package:
- Military Assistance ($2.5 billion): This includes weaponry and equipment sourced both from U.S. stockpiles and through procurement from defense contractors. The package features artillery rounds, rockets, armored vehicles, and ammunition for air defense systems.
- Budget Support ($3.4 billion): Allocated to assist the Ukrainian government in maintaining essential operations amid the ongoing conflict.
This aid is part of the remaining funds authorized by Congress, which the administration aims to fully utilize before the transition to the incoming administration. The U.S. has been a leading contributor to Ukraine’s defense, with total assistance exceeding $66 billion since the onset of the conflict.
Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s ongoing strategy of maintaining a buffer zone on Russian territory and eroding its military potential. He noted that Russia has deployed its strongest units, including North Korean troops, to Kursk, preventing their redeployment to other critical fronts, such as Donetsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, or Zaporizhzhia.
“I thank all our warriors who are bringing the war back home—to Russia—and giving Ukraine more security and strength,” Zelensky said.
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