**Ukraine Conflict: Thousands of Russian Deaths Verified**
A joint investigation by the BBC and Mediazona has verified over 95,000 Russian deaths in Ukraine. The project collected data on losses since February 2022.
**Russian Casualties Mounting**
Since January 24, more than 5,000 names have been added to the list of Russian casualties. The true death toll is believed to be much higher, with military analysts estimating that the current list represents only 45-65% of Russia’s total casualties.
**Prisoners Making Up a Large Share of Deaths**
The current list includes 16,171 Russian convicts who were recruited from penal colonies to fight in Ukraine. Researchers believe that prisoners could account for up to one-third of Russia’s military losses since the full-scale invasion.
**Russia Recruiting Prisoners for War**
Russia has been recruiting prisoners for the war in Ukraine since the summer of 2022. Investigators verified the names of the dead using data from official reports, newspapers, social media, and graveyards.
**Ukraine Claims Higher Death Toll**
President Volodymyr Zelensky claims that nearly 250,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the war against Ukraine. Russia has not released official figures on its military deaths in Ukraine since September 2022.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com