Russia’s Deadliest Year Yet in Ukraine: 2024 Saw Over 45,000 Troop Deaths

The year 2024 marked the deadliest period for Russian forces in Ukraine since the war began, with at least 45,287 Russian soldiers killed, according to an analysis published by HotNews.ro, citing data compiled by BBC Russia and Mediazona.

That figure is nearly triple the losses recorded during the invasion’s first year and significantly higher than in 2023, when Russia fought its bloodiest battle in Bakhmut. Analysts estimate that Russia lost at least 27 lives for every square kilometer of Ukrainian territory it captured last year.

High Death Toll for Minimal Gains

February 20, 2024, was reportedly the deadliest single day for Russian troops that year. Four long-range Ukrainian HIMARS rockets struck a training ground near Volnovakha in occupied Donetsk. Sixty-five soldiers were killed on the spot, including their commander, Col. Musaev. Among the victims were soldiers who had been ordered to line up for a medal ceremony.

One of them, 22-year-old Aldar Bairov from Buryatia, had trained in food hygiene before being drafted. Another, 31-year-old Okhunjon Rustamov, had been mobilized in late 2022 after completing military service. A third, Igor Babici, was a voluntary recruit who had previously worked as a therapist for patients with cerebral palsy.

In total, at least 201 Russian soldiers died that day, according to BBC’s data.

Despite the mounting death toll, Russian state media and officials, including then-Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, made no mention of the attack in their daily briefings.

Relentless Losses and Recruitment Tactics

The BBC analysis reveals a disturbing trend: unlike in 2022 and 2023, when casualties came in waves, 2024 saw consistently high monthly death tolls, with no significant lulls. Russia’s slow territorial gains in the east came at staggering cost, especially during its advances in Avdiivka, Robotyne, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk.

Between September and November alone, 11,678 Russian soldiers were confirmed dead while capturing 2,356 square kilometers—about 27 deaths per square kilometer. According to ISW, Russia seized a total of 4,168 km² in 2024.

Michael Kofman, a U.S. military analyst, attributed the high casualty rates to Russia’s use of scattered assault teams and repeated attacks with underprepared infantry.

To compensate, Moscow dramatically increased recruitment incentives. Signing bonuses in regions like Bashkortostan reached up to 34 times the local average salary, and contracts were often offered to individuals facing criminal charges. Many new recruits were deployed after just 10–14 days of training.

The True Death Toll Is Likely Much Higher

BBC and Mediazona have verified the deaths of 106,745 Russian soldiers by name, but military experts believe that figure may represent only 45–65% of actual fatalities. The real death toll is likely between 185,000 and 260,700, especially when including troops from pro-Russian forces in occupied Donetsk and Luhansk.

The Bashkortostan region recorded the highest number of deaths, with 4,836 confirmed. Most were rural residents, and 38% had no prior military experience.

Analysts warn that many bodies remain on the battlefield and may never be recovered, further obscuring the full human cost of Russia’s campaign.