In 2024, Russia’s military operations in Ukraine came at an extraordinary cost, with an estimated 430,000 Russian soldiers killed or wounded. Despite these staggering casualties, Russian forces only managed to seize 0.69% of Ukraine’s territory, capturing a few small settlements in the Donetsk region. The year ended with Russia’s slow, grinding advance in Ukraine, which saw minimal tactical gains but at a heavy price.
According to Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskii, Russia’s losses averaged around 1,180 soldiers per day, with the highest casualties recorded in the final months of the year. November and December saw the most intense fighting, as Russia concentrated its efforts in Donetsk, resulting in the highest monthly losses of the war so far—more than 45,000 casualties in both months.
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Despite these enormous losses, Russia’s territorial advancements were limited. It spent months to capture mid-sized settlements, none of which threatened Ukrainian strategic positions. The battle for these regions was marked by intense urban warfare, which saw Ukrainian forces effectively using defensive advantages to inflict heavy damage on Russian troops.
Additionally, the casualty figures from Russia’s recruitment of foreign soldiers—such as North Koreans—have added to the staggering toll. Ukraine’s military reported significant casualties among these foreign recruits, with many being executed by their own forces to prevent capture by Ukrainian troops.
As Russia continues its efforts in the war economy, relying heavily on fossil fuel revenues, Ukraine has adapted by increasing its domestic weapons production. Ukraine’s military also made significant strides in drone warfare, deploying innovative aerial and naval drones to strike deep within Russian territory.
As the war drags on, the humanitarian costs continue to rise for both countries, while global powers continue to provide military aid to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
