Russia-Ukraine war: How one Russian village lost its fighting-age men to conflict
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In the remote village of Sedanka, located in Russia's Far East, life has become increasingly艰难 as nearly all its men aged 18 to 55 have left to fight in the Ukraine war. The village, which struggles with harsh winters and limited resources, now faces an immense burden as families cope with the absence of loved ones. Many villagers have lost someone close to them, leaving behind a heavy emotional toll and practical challenges like gathering firewood for winter heating.
Sedanka is situated on the Kamchatka Peninsula, accessible only during certain months by boat or tracked vehicles, and isolated by forests and bogs. With few local jobs, most residents rely on fishing and subsistence farming. The village's isolation makes it particularly vulnerable to the loss of its men, as they are a vital part of the community for daily tasks such as providing firewood and supporting families.
The war has taken a devastating toll on Russia, with tens of thousands of soldiers confirmed killed or missing since 2022. While official figures show 40,201 deaths in 2025 alone, experts estimate that this number likely represents only 45-65% of the actual total due to underreporting. Indigenous groups, such as the Koryaks and Itelmens in Sedanka, bear a disproportionately high burden, reflecting how the war's impact extends beyond mere statistics.
This situation highlights the human cost of conflict, not just in terms of casualties but also in the ripple effects on communities far removed from the battlefield. The loss of so many men has left families in Sedanka struggling to cope with daily life, emphasizing the broader societal consequences of war.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026