The Vanishing Men of Sedanka: Russia’s Rural Crisis and the Human Cost of War
In the remote fishing village of Sedanka, nestled in Russia’s Far East, a stark reality is unfolding. The war in Ukraine isn’t a distant conflict reported on television; it’s a gaping hole in the fabric of daily life. Almost all the men aged 18 to 55 have left to fight, leaving behind a community struggling with basic survival and a future shrouded in uncertainty.
A Village Already on the Brink
Sedanka, located over 7,000 km from the Ukrainian front lines, is a place where life is already incredibly difficult. Most homes lack running water, indoor toilets, and central heating, despite temperatures regularly dropping below -10°C in winter. Access is limited, with river transport or specialized vehicles needed for much of the year. The local economy relies heavily on fishing and subsistence farming, offering few opportunities.
The Exodus to War
According to local residents, nearly all the men of fighting age have joined the war effort in Ukraine. 39 men from a population of 258 have signed contracts to fight. The impact is devastating. As one resident, Natalia (name changed for security), told the BBC World Service, “It’s heartbreaking – so many of our people have been killed… In almost every family, someone is fighting.”
Disproportionate Impact on Indigenous Communities
The losses are not evenly distributed. Sedanka is home to the Koryak and Itelmen people – indigenous groups who, under Russian law, could be exempt from mobilization. However, state media reportedly reinforces stereotypes portraying these communities as “born warriors,” encouraging enlistment. Analysis shows that rural areas and smaller towns are bearing a disproportionate share of the casualties, with 67% of confirmed deaths originating from settlements with populations under 100,000.
Rising Death Toll and the Question of True Numbers
The BBC, along with Medizona and volunteer researchers, has confirmed the deaths of over 40,201 Russian soldiers as of 2025. Analysts estimate the total number of deaths could reach 80,000 by the end of the year, making it the deadliest year for Russian losses in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Confirmed deaths for 2024 already stand at 69,362. Experts believe the actual number of fatalities is significantly higher, potentially ranging from 286,000 to 413,500.
Beyond Sedanka: A National Trend
While Sedanka’s situation is particularly acute, it reflects a broader trend. Regions with lower economic development and a higher proportion of ethnic minorities are experiencing significantly higher casualty rates. For example, the mortality rate in the Buryatia region of Eastern Siberia is 27 to 33 times higher than in Moscow. This disparity is linked to economic hardship and a lack of opportunities, driving men to seek income and purpose in military service.
Promises Unfulfilled and a Bleak Future
Despite promises of support from regional authorities, including the designation of “village of military glory” status and aid for families, little has materialized. While some roof repairs were completed after media attention, many homes remain in disrepair, and the local school is considered unsafe. The loss of working-age men further exacerbates the village’s existing challenges, threatening its long-term viability.
Ukraine’s Losses: A Parallel Tragedy
The human cost of the conflict extends beyond Russia’s borders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action, with many more missing. Estimates suggest the total number of Ukrainian deaths could be as high as 200,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the situation in Sedanka? Sedanka is a remote Russian village where almost all the men of fighting age have joined the war in Ukraine, leaving the community struggling with basic survival.
- How many Russian soldiers have died in the war? As of 2025, over 40,201 Russian soldier deaths have been confirmed, with estimates ranging up to 413,500.
- Are certain regions of Russia more affected by the war’s casualties? Yes, rural areas and regions with significant ethnic minority populations are experiencing disproportionately high casualty rates.
- What support is being offered to families in Sedanka? Limited support has been provided, with some roof repairs completed but many other needs unmet.
Did you realize? The village of Sedanka is further from the Ukrainian front lines than the American city of Anchorage, Alaska.
Explore more about the ongoing conflict and its global impact here.
