Four years after Russia invaded Ukraine, nearly 2 million soldiers are dead, wounded or missing as drones expand kill zone
Fortune
by The Associated PressFebruary 22, 2026
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Four years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the conflict has reached a historic milestone, surpassing the duration of World War II's Eastern Front. With nearly 2 million soldiers dead, wounded, or missing on both sides, this war has become Europe's most devastating since World War II. The fighting has evolved into a grueling stalemate, with Russia struggling to make significant territorial gains despite occupying about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Drones have played a decisive role in expanding kill zones, making it nearly impossible for either side to covertly mass troops. Ukraine relies on drones to offset Russia's firepower advantage, while Russia has countered by introducing advanced, long-range tethered drones to target enemy supply routes and disrupt battlefield movements.
The conflict has transformed into a war of attrition, marked by slow advances and heavy casualties. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Russian military casualties stand at 1.2 million, including 325,000 killed, while Ukrainian losses are estimated at up to 600,000, with 140,000 killed. The war's economic impact has also intensified, particularly in energy infrastructure. Russia has exponentially increased strikes on Ukraine's power grid, causing widespread blackouts and severely disrupting daily life in Kyiv and other cities. In retaliation, Ukraine has launched long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy facilities, targeting Moscow's export revenue.
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Originally published on Fortune on 2/22/2026