14:24, 5 May 2004

Death toll from two Chechen campaigns estimated at 25 thousand servicemen

Approximately 25 thousand soldiers, officers, and policemen who were at war on the side of the Russian armed forces were killed during two Chechen campaigns. The Union of Russian Committees of Soldier's Mothers gives such data.

This figure includes servicemen who died from wounds and diseases connected with war and those who committed suicide, the executive secretary of the Union, Valentina Melnikova, explained. Besides, at least 50 thousand servicemen received injuries and mutilations, some of them are disabled now, Ms Melnikova added. She expressed regret that the state had not announced these figures so far.

Source: Voine.net Website