The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reported on July 1 that combined military casualties for Russian and Ukrainian forces in the war have exceeded 2 million since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 [1, 2, 3].
Russian military casualties total about 1.4 million, including between 400,000 and 450,000 killed, according to CSIS data [1, 2, 4, 3]. The number of Russian deaths in Ukraine is more than four times the total American military deaths in all wars since World War II [1, 2, 3]. Ukrainian military casualties range from roughly 525,000 to 625,000, with deaths estimated at 125,000 to 150,000 [1, 2, 3].
In the first half of 2026, the casualty ratio between Russian and Ukrainian forces reportedly rose to approximately 8 to 1, meaning for every Ukrainian death or injury there were about eight on the Russian side [1, 2, 3]. CSIS highlighted the unusually high Russian losses compared to Ukraine over this period.
Ukrainian forces have increased their strike capabilities deep inside Russian territory in 2026 using domestically produced drones and modified missiles. These attacks have targeted logistics and supply lines well behind the frontlines, signaling a shift in Ukraine's tactical approach to the conflict [4].
CSIS first began monitoring the conflict from February 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion [2, 3]. The July 1 reports provide the most up-to-date and detailed assessment of casualty figures and military developments in the conflict.
Public release of these findings marks a significant update on the human cost and operational status of the war as it enters its fifth year. Further reports are expected as the situation evolves.
