29.06.2026 10:30
While it is claimed that Russia's losses in the war in Ukraine are increasing, it has been reported that the average survival time of new soldiers sent to the front is 20 to 35 minutes. It has been stated that Russia, which is said to be struggling to find new soldiers due to rising losses, has seen unmanned aerial vehicles significantly change the course of the war.
As the war that began in Ukraine in 2022 enters its fourth year, striking claims have emerged regarding the losses suffered by the Russian army on the front line. According to information based on Russian military bloggers, the average life expectancy of new soldiers sent to the front in combat ranges from 20 to 35 minutes.
STRIKING CLAIM ABOUT SOLDIERS' LIFE EXPECTANCY
In an article written by Oxford University Global History Professor Peter Frankopan for Foreign Policy, assessments from Russian military bloggers were included. According to this, it is claimed that the average time from a soldier signing a contract to their death is between 10 days and 3 weeks. It is stated that this period covers the time from arrival at the training camp to losing their life on the front line.
DRONES ALLEGED TO HAVE CHANGED THE COURSE OF THE WAR
The article alleged that Ukraine's intensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles has been effective in the high casualties suffered by the Russian army. It was also reported that Ukraine has increased its attacks on targets within Russia's interior, and that an attack on Moscow's largest oil refinery in June disabled the facility until next year.
ALLEGED DIFFICULTY IN RECRUITING NEW SOLDIERS
The article noted that although Russia announced it gathered over 420,000 soldiers through one-year contracts in late 2025, this number dropped by about 30 percent compared to the previous year. According to Russian military bloggers, the country continues to recruit 800 to 1,000 volunteer soldiers per day.
ASSESSMENTS ON THE ECONOMY AND THE ARMY
The article stated that various Western sources estimate Russia's total losses since February 2022 have exceeded 1 million, while it was noted that Russia offers signing bonuses of up to $80,000 and debt forgiveness of up to $140,000 to attract new volunteers.
Additionally, assessments from some experts were included, suggesting that the Russian economy is under serious pressure due to the increasing share of military spending in the state budget.