Journalists have determined how many Russian soldiers have died in Syria over nine years.

543 Russian soldiers and Wagner Group employees have died in Syria from 2015 to 2024

According to the BBC, from 2015 to 2024, 543 Russian soldiers and employees of the private military company 'Wagner' died in Syria. This includes specialists from various units, including special forces of the special operations forces, FSB special forces, GRU intelligence officers, and military pilots.

Using open sources such as media, social networks, as well as data from cemeteries and military memorials, journalists identified the names of all the fallen soldiers. However, the deaths of 346 Wagner employees were confirmed based on internal company documents.

Only 116 Russian soldiers officially recognized as killed

Officially, Russia has recognized the deaths of only 116 of its servicemen in Syria. However, Russian casualties may be higher, as existing data may be incomplete. It is noted that Russia has lost dozens of top-level specialists, including 15 soldiers and officers from the special operations forces.

Among the dead are also a major general, 10 colonels, 15 lieutenant colonels, 31 majors, and 61 officers with ranks from lieutenant to captain.

The threat of a strategic political defeat for Russia

Analysts note that the rapid collapse of Assad's regime in Syria is a strategic political defeat for Russia and places the Kremlin in a difficult position. One of Russia's main tasks was to maintain its military base in Syria.

The Syrian government announced its readiness to transfer power to the opposition and cooperate with the new leadership elected by the people. Iran has opened a direct line of communication with Syrian rebels after the overthrow of Assad's regime.