Russia's October losses in Ukraine reach new high

Russia is estimated to have lost around 43,520 soldiers killed or severely wounded in Ukraine in October 2026, according to Ukrainian figures adjusted for a margin of error, with military experts calling the losses extremely high. The October toll of 54,400 before adjustment marks the deadliest month since the war began in February 2022, surpassing August's 42,020 and September's 46,230. Lieutenant Colonel Palle Ydstebø says subtracting 10-20 percent yields realistic numbers, equating to roughly 1,404 Russian casualties daily. Total Russian losses from February 24, 2022, to November 1, 2026, are estimated at 1,590,270 killed or severely wounded. Ydstebø notes Russia treats soldiers as a consumable resource, with no sign President Putin will halt the high-casualty strategy.