Mediazona Confirms Identities of Nearly 60,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in Ukraine
In a groundbreaking investigation, Russian media outlet Mediazona has confirmed the identities of nearly 60,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine since the start of the conflict in 2014. The report, released earlier this week, is a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the devastating impact it has had on both Ukrainian and Russian families.
Using data from official Russian military records, as well as information gathered from eyewitnesses, relatives, and social media, Mediazona’s investigative team has painstakingly compiled a list of soldiers who have lost their lives in the fighting. The report includes details such as the soldiers’ names, ages, ranks, and the dates and circumstances of their deaths.
According to the report, the majority of the soldiers killed were between the ages of 20 and 30, with many being conscripts who were sent to fight in Ukraine without fully understanding the risks involved. The list also includes many high-ranking officers, including colonels, lieutenant colonels, and majors.
The investigation has been hailed as a major achievement by media watchdogs and human rights organizations, who have long called for greater transparency and accountability from the Russian government regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
"This is a significant step forward in our understanding of the human cost of this conflict," said Tanya Lokshina, Russia program director at Human Rights Watch. "Mediazona’s investigation is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact that war has on ordinary people, and the need for governments to prioritize the protection of civilians and the rule of law."
The report also sheds light on the Russian government’s treatment of the families of fallen soldiers, who have often been left to fend for themselves without adequate support or compensation. Many families have reported receiving paltry sums of money or vague promises of support, while others have been subjected to harassment and intimidation by government officials.
The investigation has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation in Russia, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from the government regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The report has also been praised by international organizations, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which has long called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The confirmation of the identities of nearly 60,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that war has on ordinary people. As the conflict continues to rage on, it is essential that governments and international organizations prioritize the protection of civilians and the rule of law, and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In the meantime, the families of fallen soldiers, on both sides of the conflict, can only hope for a return to peace and a chance to rebuild their lives.