Taylor Weighs In on the Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Russian Demographics

October 10, 2025

Forbes

Brian Taylor

Political Science Department

Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs

Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict & Collaboration

Conflict

International Affairs

Labor

Russia

Ukraine

Forbes

Brian Taylor

A leaked Russian Ministry of Defense document revealed that more than 281,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured in Ukraine in 2025, with other independent estimates placing the number at about 219,000. Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Russia has suffered over one million total casualties, massive equipment losses and severe economic damage.

The war has also led to widespread emigration, labor shortages and a population decline driven by high male mortality, falling birth rates and an aging population, creating mounting demographic and economic challenges for Russia.

“Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine is greatly damaging Russia’s future, with the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers at the front and the emigration of some of Russia’s best and brightest young people,” says Brian Taylor, director of the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs.

Read more in the Forbes article, “How The War In Ukraine Has Sparked A Demographic Crisis In Russia.”