More than 70,000 Russian soldiers have now died in the war in Ukraine, according to data analyzed by the BBC and Mediazona. Among the dead, a significant proportion—13,781—are volunteers, who now represent the largest group of those killed in battle. The volunteers, mostly civilians who joined the Russian armed forces after the full-scale invasion began in 2022, now account for 20% of all confirmed fatalities, surpassing former prisoners who previously made up the highest number (19%). Mobilized soldiers, those conscripted by the government, represent 13% of the casualties.

Volunteers continue to experience heavy losses, with weekly deaths exceeding 100 since October last year, and in some weeks, more than 310 volunteers were reported dead. These deaths are reported through various sources, including media, social networks, and grave markers in Russian cemeteries. Many volunteers come from economically disadvantaged regions where stable, well-paid jobs are scarce, and military salaries—often five to seven times higher than the local average—are enticing, especially when combined with social benefits like free childcare and tax breaks. However, some volunteers have complained about being coerced into service, particularly in places like Chechnya, and others have expressed frustration with unclear contracts that seemingly have no end date.

The typical volunteer is between 42 and 50 years old, with 4,100 men in this age group recorded among the 13,000 volunteers killed. The oldest volunteer was 71, and 250 volunteers over the age of 60 have also died. A high percentage of these casualties occur in the Donetsk region, where volunteers are deployed to some of the most dangerous front-line areas, often with minimal support and outdated equipment. Russian soldiers describe the continued use of a “meat grinder” strategy, where soldiers are sent forward in waves to wear down Ukrainian forces. Drone footage shows poorly equipped Russian forces being sent into battle with little artillery or vehicle support, resulting in heavy losses. In recent weeks, Russia has unsuccessfully attempted to capture the Ukrainian towns of Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk using these tactics.

Inadequate medical care has also contributed to high mortality rates, with the Russian defense ministry acknowledging that 39% of soldier deaths result from limb injuries. Improved first aid and medical care could significantly reduce these fatalities. Despite the losses, the Russian government has avoided launching a new wave of mobilization and instead has focused on increasing recruitment efforts, particularly among volunteers. Recruitment campaigns are targeting men with debts, those facing legal problems, and even students in higher education. Additionally, a new policy allows individuals facing criminal prosecution to join the military in exchange for freezing their court cases, with the possibility of having charges dropped entirely.

The recruitment of foreigners is another notable aspect, with 272 non-Russians identified among the dead, including individuals from Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. There have also been reports of Russia recruiting fighters from Cuba, Iraq, Yemen, and Serbia, offering non-Russian volunteers a path to citizenship if they survive the war. Some of these recruits later claimed they were misled about the terms of their service.

The training provided to new recruits is often inadequate, with some volunteers receiving minimal instruction before being sent directly to the front lines. Basic skills like camouflage, moving stealthily at night, and avoiding exposure during the day are frequently neglected. Equipment is another issue, with soldiers reporting that the standard gear is of poor quality, including outdated uniforms and protective gear that barely lasts. Many volunteers have had to purchase their own equipment to improve their chances of survival.

The Ukrainian government rarely discloses its battlefield losses, but in February, President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed. U.S. intelligence estimates suggest the real number of Ukrainian casualties is likely much higher.