The full impact of Russia's invasion in Ukraine has become a closely guarded secret in the Kremlin.

The last official government update on Russia's military losses took place 10 days into President Vladimir Putin's invasion.

Media outlets in the country are now heavily censored, though reports about the loss of Russian soldiers suggest the numbers are high.

The Kremlin has denied its invasion of Ukraine has stalled with spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisting the ongoing military action is “strictly in accordance with the plans and purposes... established beforehand”.

So what are Russia's losses in the Ukraine war so far?

Bury Times: Anti-war placards and graffiti on the walls of the Russian Embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens, west London, to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Picture date: Monday February 28, 2022. (PA)Anti-war placards and graffiti on the walls of the Russian Embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens, west London, to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Picture date: Monday February 28, 2022. (PA)

Russia losses in the Ukraine invasion

In early March, the Russian defence ministry stated 498 Russian soldiers had been killed in action. Meanwhile, 1,500 Russian soldiers were reportedly wounded.

Since then, estimations about losses in Russia's army vary in size. 

A report by BBC Russian on Monday, March 21, appeared to confirm the deaths of 557 soldiers. 

The numbers used by BBC Russian were based on soldiers confirmed by their first and last name killed in the Ukraine war.

Other data sources suggested the death toll of Russian troops is much higher.

In the latest update from US intelligence officials this week, the report estimated more than 7,000 Russian soldiers had been killed fighting in Ukraine since late February.

In an update on the same day as BBC Russian, Ukrainian officials estimated that more than 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed.

The US estimates Russia has lost a bit more than 10% of the overall combat capability it had at the start of the fight, including troops, tanks and other material.

Western officials say Russian forces are facing serious shortages of food, fuel and cold-weather gear, leaving some soldiers suffering from frostbite.

The invasion has driven more than 10 million people from their homes – almost a quarter of Ukraine’s population – according to the United Nations.

Thousands of civilians are believed to have died.