Sedanka Village: A Remote Community's Sacrifice in Wartime
Sedanka, a fishing village in Russia's Far East, faces extreme conditions with many homes lacking running water, indoor toilets, and central heating, despite winter temperatures routinely falling to -10C (14F). Its remote location makes access difficult, relying on river boats or tracked vehicles from May to October, and snowmobiles or helicopters in winter. The village has few local employment opportunities, with residents primarily engaged in fishing and growing their own food.
A Village Depleted by War
Locals report that nearly all men aged 18 to 55 from Sedanka have joined Russia's military efforts in Ukraine.
"So many of our people have been killed." — Natalia, Sedanka villager
A villager identified as Natalia stated that relatives, including her sister's husband and cousins, are involved in the conflict, noting that someone from almost every family is fighting.
From Sedanka's population of 258, 39 men reportedly signed contracts with Russia to fight in the war. Of these, 12 have been reported killed and seven are reported missing. During a regional governor's visit in March 2024, a group of women from Sedanka stated:
"All our men have left for the special military operation and there is no-one to chop firewood for winter to heat our stoves."
Russian Military Losses: Broader Context
According to an analysis by the BBC, Russian news outlet Medizona, and volunteer researchers:
- 40,201 Russian soldiers were verified killed in 2025.
- Estimates suggest the total number killed in 2025 could reach 80,000.
- Confirmed deaths for 2024 stand at 69,362.
- The BBC has identified the names of 186,102 Russian soldiers killed in the war in total.
- Military experts estimate these figures represent 45-65% of the total, indicating potential Russian deaths between 286,000 and 413,500.
Ukrainian Military Losses
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that 55,000 Ukrainians had been officially killed on the battlefield, with a "large number of people" also considered officially missing. Estimates from sources, including the UA Losses website, suggest the number of Ukrainians killed could be as high as 200,000.
Disproportionate Impact on Indigenous Communities and Rural Areas
Losses are reported as disproportionately high among small indigenous groups, particularly in economically depressed areas of Siberia and the Far East. Sedanka is primarily inhabited by Koryaks and Itelmens, indigenous groups who can be exempted from mobilization under wartime rules.
Russian state TV promotes stereotypes about indigenous communities as "born warriors" to encourage recruitment. — Maria Vyushkova, anti-war activist
Vladimir Akeev, a 45-year-old hunter and fisherman from Sedanka, signed an army contract in summer 2024 and was killed in combat four months later. His funeral in November 2024 required mourners to reach the cemetery by snowmobile, with his coffin transported on wide wooden sleds.
Confirmed losses among indigenous groups include:
- 201 Nenets
- 96 Chukchi
- 77 Khanty
- 30 Koryaks
- 7 Inuit
Proportionally, this represents an estimated 2% of Chukchi, 1.4% of Russian Inuits, 1.32% of Koryaks, and 0.8% of Khanty males aged 18 to 60.
Rural and Economic Disparities
Analysis indicates that 67% of Russian military deaths are from rural areas and small towns (populations under 100,000), despite these areas comprising only 48% of Russia's population. Major cities exhibit the lowest loss rates, with Moscow showing five deaths per 10,000 males (0.05%). Poorer regions like Buryatia in eastern Siberia and Tuva in southern Siberia report death rates 27 to 33 times higher than in the capital.
Demographer Alexey Raksha attributes this disparity to differences in economic development, pay, and education, leading to a larger proportion of soldiers and casualties from poorer regions and ethnic minorities. Another Russian demographer suggested that poverty and a perceived lack of prospects contribute significantly to recruitment from these areas.
Local Impact and Unfulfilled Pledges in Sedanka
A monument to "participants of the special military operation" was unveiled in Sedanka in autumn 2024. The regional government previously pledged an honorary title of "village of military valour" and a support program for soldiers' families. However, the village has not yet received the title, and much of the promised support has not materialized. Repairs to roofs of four soldiers' homes occurred only after significant media attention.
Furthermore, one in five houses in Sedanka is deemed unsafe, and its only school is classified as being in a state of emergency. The departure of working-age men has further impacted the village's already dire conditions.