900 days of war: Russia spends $211bn on a conflict that has cost 500k troops

The war in Ukraine has now entered its 900th day, despite the initial prediction by Russian President Vladimir Putin that his 'special military operation' would last only three days.

The UK's MOD and the US Department of Defence believe that in the 900 days of fighting, Russia has spent an estimated $211bn (£163bn) on the invasion and attempted conquest of Ukraine, despite not yet succeeding in reaching Kyiv.

Russia's armed forces are currently pushing west to try to take the city of Pokrovsk.

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The MOD said: "Russia planned to surround Kyiv within three days, bring down the government and conquer most of Ukraine in less than a month."

Since May 2024, however, Russia has suffered around 1,000 casualties each day.

It is thought that the country has lost more than half a million troops during the invasion, which began on 24 February 2022.