EXPLAINERNews|Russia-Ukraine warThe Ukraine war in numbers: People, territory, moneyFour years into Russia’s grinding war on Ukraine, Al Jazeera looks at the costs — to people, territory and treasuries.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine reaches the four-year mark on Mon, Feb 24, 2026, the ongoing situation has resulted in significant human and territorial losses, as well as substantial economic impacts for both countries.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine reaches the four-year mark on Mon, Feb 24, 2026, the ongoing situation has resulted in significant human and territorial losses, as well as substantial economic impacts for both countries.
The number of casualties, both military and civilian, is significant. Estimates suggest approximately two million military casualties on both sides. Ukraine's General Staff has reported that around 418,000 Russian troops were killed or wounded last year, with total Russian casualties surpassing 1.25 million. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) corroborates these figures, estimating 1.2 million Russian casualties, including at least 325,000 deaths, from the start of the full-scale invasion on Feb 24, 2022, to Dec 2025.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the conflict. CSIS estimates Ukraine's casualties at up to 600,000, with as many as 140,000 deaths. Civilian casualties are also substantial, with the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) estimating 15,168 Ukrainian civilians killed and 41,534 wounded over the four years of war.
The war has also resulted in significant displacement. Approximately 5 million Ukrainians are living under Russian occupation, and an estimated 5.9 million have left the country, with the majority relocating to Europe, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Additionally, Ukraine reports the abduction of thousands of children to Russia, with the Yale School of Medicine estimating more than 19,000 such cases.
Estimates suggest approximately two million military casualties on both sides.
At its peak in March 2022, Russia controlled 26 percent of Ukrainian territory. This included Crimea and parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. Subsequent Ukrainian military actions reduced Russian-held areas to 17.8 percent by late 2022. As of Dec 2025, Russia occupies approximately 19.3 percent of Ukraine, equivalent to about 116,000 square kilometers.
Russia's military expenditure increased significantly from $66 billion in 2021 to $149 billion in 2024. For 2025, estimates vary, with some projecting continued increases, while others suggest a 15 percent reduction due to fiscal constraints. Additionally, Western sanctions have immobilized about $300 billion of Russian central bank reserves.
Ukraine's defense spending rose from $6.9 billion in 2021 to $71 billion in 2025, largely funded by international allies, primarily the European Union and the United States. However, with the U.S. reducing its support significantly in 2025, the financial burden has shifted to Europe, which increased its aid to Ukraine to approximately $70 billion last year.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.