Half a million Russians killed in Ukraine war, British intelligence says

Live updates

1. 35d ago

   Ukraine Defeats Italy to Reach Billie Jean King Cup Final

   Ukraine defeated Italy 2-0 in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals on Saturday, September 26, ending Italy's bid for a third consecutive title. Anhelina Kalinina defeated Tyra Grant 6-3, 6-4 in the opening singles match. Elina Svitolina then overcame Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 to secure the victory. Ukraine will advance to face the Czech Republic in the final. In a separate development, Russian forces targeted Kyiv with drones ahead of a United Nations address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leaving two dead and 41 wounded.

   Why it matters

   The tennis victory moves Ukraine into the championship match of the Billie Jean King Cup after overcoming the team captained by Tathian Garbin. Meanwhile, concurrent military actions persist as Russian strikes hit the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv continues to engage in international partnerships, building on previous agreements to share tactical combat experience in drone operations and electronic warfare with allies like Australia.

   What is confirmed

   • Ukraine defeated Italy 2-0 in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-final on Saturday, September 26.
   • Anhelina Kalinina defeated Tyra Grant 6-3, 6-4.
   • Elina Svitolina defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2.
   • Russian drones pounded Kyiv, killing 2 and wounding 41 before President Zelenskyy's UN address.

   What to watch next

   • The Billie Jean King Cup final match between Ukraine and the Czech Republic.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Breaking news live updates, September 24: Russia pounds Kyiv with drones, killing 2 and wounding 41 before Zelenskyy’s UN address
   2. jen.jiji.com — Canalis on Verissimo: "Corvaglia? Nothing happened between us, I'm so sorry"
   3. tass.com — Gazprom increases gas supplies to CIS-countries by 29% in 1H 2026
   4. jen.jiji.com — Billie Jean King Cup, Italy defeated in semi-final by Ukraine
   5. tass.com — Lavrov, deputy chairman of Yemen’s ruling presidential council mull international issues
   confidence 100%
2. 39d ago

   Australia and Ukraine establish security agreement for drone warfare training

   Australia will receive expertise in drone and electronic warfare from Ukraine under a new security agreement. Ukraine is currently training NATO forces in these specialized fields. This partnership allows Australia to benefit from Kyiv's practical combat experience in modern electronic warfare and drone operations. The agreement comes as Ukraine continues to share its tactical knowledge with Western allies to improve their defensive capabilities.

   Why it matters

   Ukraine has developed significant expertise in drone and electronic warfare during its ongoing conflict with Russia. This knowledge is now being exported to NATO members and partners to modernize their military strategies.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Australia will benefit from Kyiv's expertise in drone and electronic warfare under a new security agreement.

   What to watch next

   • Details on the specific training locations and timelines for Australian personnel
   • Formal announcement of other NATO countries joining similar training pacts
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. jen.jiji.com — The thief enters the house, the labrador celebrates and brings toys... - Video
   2. jen.jiji.com — Schlein: "Historic challenge for the PD, after 20 years we will win the elections"
   3. www.indiaweekly.biz — US coffee chain Starbucks plans global tech center in India, creating 800 jobs
   4. www.smh.com.au — Why this new Ukraine pact is a war-game changer for Australia
   confidence 60%
3. 41d ago

   Suicide attack kills 16 in northern Pakistan

   A suicide bombing at the Kohat police complex in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed at least 16 people, including five police officers, and injured over 50 others. Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed reported that a vehicle-borne suicide bomber first struck the complex gate before other attackers targeted the counter-terrorism department. Pakistani authorities attribute the assault to Fitna-ul-Khawarij, a designation used for the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan group and associated terrorist formations. The attackers were eventually neutralized after a second suicide bomber detonated within a building.

   Why it matters

   The attack targeted high-security police infrastructure in northern Pakistan. This region frequently faces violence from militant groups like the TTP. The incident highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities within provincial law enforcement hubs.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 16 people died in an attack at the Kohat police complex in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
   • Five police officers were among the dead in the Kohat complex attack.
   • Over 50 people were injured during the assault.
   • A suicide bomber in a vehicle struck the complex gate.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The attack was launched by militants of Fitna-ul-Khawarij, a term used by authorities for the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan group and other terrorist formations.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of the total death toll from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government
   • Formal claims of responsibility from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan group
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Germany, Klopp against AfD: "Let's not leave national pride to the wrong people"
   2. jen.jiji.com — The husband of the woman shot in Prati: "The sniper is free and my wife is terrified"
   3. jen.jiji.com — iPhone 18, queuing since dawn in Milan. Rain of social criticism: "They wouldn't queue like that for a job"
   4. jen.jiji.com — Pakistan, suicide attack against police in the north, 16 dead including 5 officers
   5. seekingalpha.com — Weekly Commentary: Walked The Walk
   confidence 90%
4. 45d ago

   Russian casualties top 1.5 million as death rates rise

   Russian military casualties have reached 1.5 million, with Ukrainian commanders reporting that as many as 70% of those casualties are deaths. British intelligence previously estimated 500,000 killed. Amid these losses, the US President has urged Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian diesel supplies, citing record high diesel prices in the US and a global shortage. Separately, the UK Ministry of Defence has announced the second death of a British soldier on Ukrainian soil since the invasion began.

   Why it matters

   The rising fatality rate suggests a shift in Russian battlefield attrition. Concurrent economic pressures in the US are influencing diplomatic requests regarding Ukraine's targeting strategy. These developments occur as the UK acknowledges the presence and loss of its own personnel in the theater.

   What is confirmed

   • Russian military casualties have reached 1.5 million.
   • The UK Ministry of Defence announced the second death of a British soldier on Ukrainian soil since the invasion.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Up to 70% of Russian casualties are deaths.
   • US diesel prices hit a record high due to Ukrainian strikes on Russian diesel supplies.

   What to watch next

   • Ukrainian response to US requests to halt diesel supply strikes
   • Official Russian casualty figures for the current period
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.1news.co.nz — Trump urges Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel supply
   2. inews.co.uk — British soldiers are in Ukraine – this is why you don’t hear about it
   3. jen.jiji.com — Mattarella on AI: "States must regain lost sovereignty over private entities"
   4. jen.jiji.com — Germany, Merz denies rumors of coalition rifts, 'forward with reforms'
   5. www.europesays.com — Russia’s Battlefield Death Rate Is Rising as Losses Top 1.5 Million — UNITED24 Media
   6. tass.com — War with Iran costs US taxpayers $38 billion — congressional budget office
   7. tass.com — Majority of Japanese favor dialogue with Russia, not harsher sanctions, poll shows
   confidence 80%
5. 47d ago

   British Intelligence Reports 500,000 Russian Deaths in Ukraine

   British intelligence reports that 500,000 Russian military personnel have been killed since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. While fatalities are high, other estimates regarding total casualties differ. The Chief of Defence Staff reports total Russian casualties have reached 1.5 million. Recent daily loss estimates vary slightly between 1,500 and 1,520 soldiers. Meanwhile, Russia continues to target civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, with recent drone strikes hitting gas stations to cause public distress.

   Why it matters

   Accurate casualty counts are difficult to verify as both nations treat loss data as state secrets. These figures provide a metric for the attrition rate of Russian forces during the ongoing invasion. Tracking these numbers helps analysts assess the long-term sustainability of the Russian military effort.

   What is confirmed

   • British intelligence states 500,000 Russians were killed in the Ukraine war.
   • Russian drones targeted gas stations in Kyiv to rattle civilians.
   • Daily Russian troop losses are estimated between 1,500 and 1,520.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukrainian soldiers claim Russian losses have passed 1.5 million.

   What to watch next

   • Official Russian Ministry of Defence casualty disclosures
   • Updated UK intelligence reports on wounded versus killed ratios
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. AP News — Russian drones target Kyiv gas stations, aiming to rattle civilians
   2. The Kyiv Independent — We asked Ukrainian soldiers about Russian losses passing 1.5 million
   3. Sky News — Half a million Russians killed in Ukraine war, British intelligence says
   4. Українська правда — UK names Russian military personnel losses since beginning of full-scale invasion
   5. Ukrinform — Russia loses 1,500 troops in war against Ukraine over past 24 hours
   6. Українська правда — Russia loses 1,520 soldiers over past day
   7. Міністерство оборони України — Total russian combat losses in Ukraine as of September 11, 2026
   8. Forces News — Russian casualties reach 1.5 million mark since full-scale invasion of Ukraine, CDS says
   confidence 80%