High Casualty Rates Among Russian Penal Units in Q2 2025

Penal battalions used by Russia in Avdiivka are suffering extraordinary losses. The UK MOD and Meduza report that over half of Russia’s recent Q2 casualties originate from these convict-recruited units. Many are deployed with minimal preparation and serve as front-wave shock troops in high-intensity fire zones. Observers warn that if this rate continues into Q3, it could severely deplete Russia’s penal recruitment pool and destabilize broader military manpower policies.Sources