October 13, Pozirk. At least 314 Belarusians who joined Russian forces as mercenaries in the war against Ukraine have been killed in action, according to hochuzhit.com, a Ukrainian service that helps Russian soldiers safely surrender.
These reported deaths account for roughly 24 percent of all known Belarusian nationals who signed military contracts with Russia. The actual number, however, is likely higher, as Russian authorities continue to conceal their losses.
Even so, the 314 confirmed deaths represent a significant toll for a nation of Belarus’ size. The project compared this figure to the 723 Belarusians killed over an entire decade of fighting in the Soviet–Afghan war.
The oldest person confirmed killed in action was Vasil Škornik, aged 63, while the youngest, Michaił Karańkoŭ, 18, is officially listed as missing.
On average, about six and a half months pass between the signing of a military contract and official confirmation of a soldier’s death, the project reported.
While many of those killed were recruited from Russian prisons, some Belarusians had previously served with the 5th Separate Special Forces Brigade based in Marjina Horka, Minsk region.
Not a single individual has faced prosecution in Minsk for fighting on the Russian side — a stark contrast to Belarusian volunteers defending Ukraine, who face severe punishment from the Belarusian authorities.
In February 2022, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Belarusian authorities providing support to the Kremlin by allowing Russian troops to attack Ukraine from Belarusian territory and supplying Moscow with arms.
