Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched on February 24, 2022, ignited Europe’s largest conflict since the Second World War. The war unleashes profound civilian suffering and grueling soldier ordeals, reshaping post-Cold War security dynamics. As fighting enters its fifth year, U.S.-led talks between Moscow and Kyiv delegations falter over disputed territories and Ukraine’s postwar defenses. Battlefield losses mount for both sides, while Russian airstrikes trigger prolonged power shortages and water disruptions for Ukrainian civilians.
Military Casualties Exceed 1.8 Million
A recent reports the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates up to 1.8 million soldiers killed, wounded, or missing across both armies. Russia faces approximately 1.2 million casualties, including as many as 325,000 deaths from February 2022 to December 2025—the highest toll for any major power since World War II. Moscow’s last official update in January 2023 acknowledged over 6,000 confirmed military deaths.
Ukraine sustains 500,000 to 600,000 military casualties, with up to 140,000 fatalities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died, noting many remain missing. Neither side releases regular loss figures, preventing independent confirmation.
Civilian Deaths Top 14,999
The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission records 14,999 civilian deaths since the invasion began, an undercount according to its assessments. Over 40,600 civilians suffer injuries in the same timeframe. Child fatalities reach at least 763.
2025 proves deadliest for civilians, with 2,514 killed and 12,142 wounded—a 31% rise from 2024.
19.4% of Ukraine Under Russian Control
The Institute for the Study of War reports Russia occupies 19.4% of Ukrainian territory. Gains slow to just 0.79% over the past year amid heavy attrition. Prior to the 2022 invasion, Russia held nearly 7%, including Crimea and eastern Donetsk and Luhansk areas.
Foreign Aid Declines 13%
Military assistance to Kyiv drops 13% last year versus the 2022-2024 average, per Germany’s Kiel Institute. The U.S. halts weapon shipments over a year ago. European nations boost aid by 67% to compensate. Humanitarian and financial support falls 5% from prior years.
5.9 Million Refugees Flee Ukraine
Nearly 5.9 million Ukrainians seek safety abroad, with 5.3 million in Europe. Around 300,000 resettle in Canada. Domestically, 3.7 million become internally displaced. Ukraine’s prewar population exceeds 40 million.
2,881 Attacks on Healthcare
The World Health Organization documents 2,881 Russian strikes disrupting medical services since 2022, up nearly 20% in 2025 from 2024. Earlier data confirms 2,347 hits on facilities, plus damage to vehicles and supplies.
