The war in Ukraine has been going on for over 11 years — and it is the worst tragedy of our time. It has claimed tens of thousands of lives and changed the fate of millions. Here are the summary figures for civilian and military casualties since 2014.

Stage 1: War in Donbas (2014–2021)

From April 2014 to the end of 2021, approximately 14,200–14,400 people were killed as a result of hostilities in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including at least 3,400 civilians. This was the first stage of the war, which lasted until the full-scale invasion.

Stage 2: Full-scale war (since 24 February 2022)

Civilian casualties

According to the UN, as of 31 May 2025, 13,341 civilian deaths and over 32,700 injuries have been confirmed. Since access to many regions is restricted, the actual number of casualties is likely to be significantly higher.

As of the end of 2024, the following figures have been recorded:

• 12,456 civilian deaths
• 28,382 wounded

The total number of civilian casualties (deaths + wounded) exceeds 46,000.

Military casualties

In early 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine had lost more than 45,100 military personnel. Another 390,000 were wounded or required medical assistance.

Independent analysts and Western sources estimate that the actual number of military casualties may exceed 70,000.

Why is the exact number of casualties unknown?

• Some of the data is classified for security reasons.
• Many areas are occupied or destroyed, making it impossible to conduct a full accounting.
• Many people are considered ‘missing,’ but may be dead.
• International organisations and government agencies use different calculation methods.

Conclusion

Since 2014, as a result of Russian aggression, at least:

• 15–17 thousand civilians
• 60–70 thousand military personnel

These figures are not final. But even today’s data testify to the scale of the tragedy that the Ukrainian people are experiencing.