Ukraine War: 5 Years of Conflict – Casualties, Land Control & Aid (2024 Update)

Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s largest conflict since World War II continues with no clear end in sight. As the fighting enters its fifth year, the human cost remains staggering, with tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians killed or injured, and millions displaced from their homes.

The United States has been brokering talks between Moscow and Kyiv in an effort to find a path to peace, but significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding the future of Russian-occupied Ukrainian land and the long-term security arrangements for Ukraine.

1.8 Million

That is the estimated upper limit of combined casualties – killed, wounded, or missing – on both sides of the conflict, according to a recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The report estimates Russia has suffered approximately 1.2 million casualties, including up to 325,000 troop deaths, between February 2022 and December 2025 – the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in a conflict since World War II.

Moscow has not publicly released updated figures on battlefield deaths since January 2023, when it reported over 6,000 confirmed military deaths. CSIS estimates Ukraine has experienced between 500,000 and 600,000 military casualties, including up to 140,000 deaths. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated earlier this month that 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died in the war, with many more still missing.

Accurate verification of military losses remains challenging, as neither Moscow nor Kyiv consistently releases data, and independent confirmation is not possible.

14,999

Here’s the number of civilian deaths in Ukraine documented by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission since the start of the full-scale invasion. However, the UN acknowledges this figure is likely an underestimate. Over 40,600 civilians have been injured during the same period, according to a December report. At least 763 children have been killed in the war, the UN reports.

Last year, 2025, was the deadliest for Ukrainian civilians since 2022, with 2,514 killed and 12,142 injured – a 31% increase in civilian casualties compared to 2024.

19.4%

This represents the percentage of Ukrainian land currently occupied by Russia, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Over the past year, Russia has gained only 0.79% of Ukraine’s territory, highlighting the slow pace of progress despite significant losses in troops and equipment. Prior to the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia controlled approximately 7% of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

13%

Foreign military aid to Kyiv decreased by 13% last year compared to the average between 2022 and 2024, according to Germany’s Kiel Institute, which tracks international assistance to Ukraine. The reduction in US aid, following a change in administration, was partially offset by a 67% increase in military aid from European countries during the same period. Overall foreign humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine fell by 5% last year.

5.9 Million

This is the number of Ukrainian civilians who have been forced to leave their country since the start of the invasion. Approximately 5.3 million have sought refuge in Europe, according to a UN report from this month. An additional 3.7 million Ukrainians have been internally displaced, moving to other parts of the country.

Ukraine’s pre-war population exceeded 40 million.

2,881

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Monday that there have been 2,881 attacks affecting the provision of medical care in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began. The number of such attacks increased by nearly 20% last year compared to 2024. The WHO documented at least 2,347 strikes on healthcare facilities, as well as damage to vehicles and medical supply storage.