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Casualties in the Russo-Ukrainian War

Conflict and Annexation

The Russo-Ukrainian War, which includes the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the ongoing Donbas conflict, has resulted in significant military and civilian casualties. During the annexation of Crimea in 2014, six people were killed.

Military Fatalities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that as of mid-2023, approximately 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. American officials have acknowledged the high number of casualties, but estimates vary.

War Casualties and Secrecy

The Ukrainian government has classified war casualty figures as a state secret. Despite international pressure, the Ukrainian armed forces have not released official statistics on the total number of military deaths.

Combined Casualties

Estimates suggest that the total number of troops from both Ukraine and Russia killed or wounded since the war began in 2014 is approaching 500,000. This includes both combat casualties and those injured in non-combat situations.

Civilian Toll

In addition to military casualties, the war has also had a devastating impact on Ukrainian civilians. The United Nations estimates that at least 8,000 civilians have been killed, and millions have been displaced from their homes.

Conclusion

The Russo-Ukrainian War continues to inflict heavy casualties on both sides. The secrecy surrounding Ukrainian military fatalities and the high number of civilian deaths are a somber reminder of the human cost of conflict.