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Leaked Rosstat mortality data points to massive Russian military casualties in Ukraine

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Posted Nov 12, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-11-12-0130
Leaked Rosstat mortality data points to massive Russian military casualties in Ukraine
Photo: Danas

Leaked Rosstat mortality records suggest nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine, as scrutiny over enlistment tactics and European espionage networks intensifies.

Analysis of leaked registry records from Russia’s statistics agency Rosstat suggests that approximately 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in the invasion of Ukraine. British newspaper The Guardian, citing hacked data analyzed by researcher Janis Kluge of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, reported that monthly Russian military fatalities frequently exceeded 15,000 in late 2024 and early 2025.

The findings coincide with scrutiny over contentious Russian recruitment practices, including reports of individuals with severe mental health disabilities being enlisted into military service.

Meanwhile, European counter-intelligence agencies continue targeting Russian proxy networks. In Latvia, security services raided a rural property near Riga, arresting suspected operative Vasilijs Kovacovs for alleged covert activities. Separately, retired Russian Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov publicly criticized President Vladimir Putin, stating Russia has lost the war and urging an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti

How outlets assessed this

    • Vijesti Skeptical Highlighted expert assessments questioning whether the planned post-conflict military deployment in Ukraine will ever materialize.
    • Klix Neutral Focused on technical details, participants, and schedule of exercise COALITION 26.2 without assessing deployment probability.
    • Vijesti Skeptical Highlighted expert doubts regarding whether European troops will ever actually deploy, framing the mission's future as uncertain.
    • Klix Neutral Reported factually on exercise logistics, participant nations, and deployment conditions without assessing the mission's likelihood.
    • Vijesti Cautious Highlighted analyst doubts regarding whether the planned European peacekeeping mission will ever actually be deployed to Ukraine.
    • Klix Neutral Focused on the practical operational details, troop participation, and timeline of the multinational drills.
    • Vijesti Skeptical Highlighted expert assessments questioning whether European troops will ever actually deploy to Ukraine post-conflict.

Sources

Earlier coverage

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