Significant Casualties Among Ethnic Minorities
Since President Vladimir Putin initiated the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has reported over 1.1 million combat casualties. British analysts highlighted that ethnic minorities, especially those from the Russian Far East, have been disproportionately affected.
A report from the London School of Economics and Political Science revealed that at least 2,470 individuals from Buryatia, one of Russia’s poorest regions, have died in the conflict. With a population of approximately 980,000, this results in a staggering rate of 252 combat deaths per 100,000 residents.
In contrast, around 1,215 residents from Moscow have been killed in action. Given Moscow’s population of 13.2 million, this equates to only 9.2 deaths per 100,000 residents.
British officials noted that less than 1% of Russian state officials have family members involved in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. They emphasized that by targeting recruitment efforts towards impoverished areas predominantly inhabited by ethnic minorities, Russia can effectively use financial incentives while minimizing backlash from urban populations who possess more political influence.
According to British defense officials, Mr. Putin and his military leaders appear willing to accept high casualty rates as long as they do not undermine public or elite support for the war and as long as personnel losses are replaceable.
