On the 1,000th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, military casualties from both sides have surpassed 1 million, signaling the deepening devastation and the growing scope of the war.
The conflict is showing alarming signs of escalation into a broader international war, particularly with North Korea’s decision to send troops to Russia and the U.S. permitting Ukraine to launch ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) strikes on Russian soil. The upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025—who promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office—could significantly impact the trajectory of the conflict.
According to reports from international media, the total number of casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war has now reached 1.01 million. The Russian military has suffered approximately 700,000 deaths, including 197,564 killed in action. On the Ukrainian side, 60,435 soldiers have been killed, with total casualties exceeding 310,000. Civilian losses are also mounting, with over 12,000 non-combatants dying in Ukraine, bringing the combined death toll to approximately 270,000.
Despite the growing human toll, the war continues to intensify, with both sides ramping up military operations to gain a strategic advantage before the change of U.S. administration. Russia is focused on expanding its control over Ukrainian territories it has occupied and is pushing to recapture the key city of Kursk, which it lost to Ukraine in previous years. In a controversial development, Moscow has strengthened its alliance with Pyongyang by deploying an estimated 10,000 North Korean troops to the frontlines. In response, Washington has authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS to strike deep into Russian territory, while Ukrainian forces are concentrating efforts on defending their positions in Kursk.
Meanwhile, South Korean officials closely monitor the situation, especially the implications of North Korea’s growing involvement in the Ukraine conflict. A senior official from South Korea’s presidential office, speaking from the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, confirmed that the U.S. had notified South Korea of its decision to extend the range of ATACMS, allowing for strikes on Russian territory. The official emphasized the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, saying, “If Russia and North Korea continue their cooperation, Ukraine must be empowered to protect its sovereignty.”
The official also stressed that both the U.S. and its ally, South Korea, must pay close attention to these developments. However, regarding potential military aid to Ukraine, the official stated, “Discussions are ongoing between NATO and the U.S. government. We will need to hear from our special envoy before deciding on military support.”