The BBC Russian Service and Mediazona have compiled a database of Russian military deaths in Ukraine, tallying over 10,000 confirmed fatalities. This independent count is based on open-source data, including media reports, social networks, and official statements. The figure contrasts with Russia's official death toll of 5,937 and Western estimates of around 100,000. The database also provides detailed insights into the soldiers' identities, including their names, dates of death, ranks, hometowns, ages, and military units. The Moscow Times has used this data to create visual graphs that shed light on the demographics of the Russian soldiers who have died in the conflict.

The article discusses the plight of Russians like Sergei Stafeyev, who are facing harsh fines and potential jail time for protesting against the war in Ukraine. Stafeyev, a retiree, was fined more than his monthly pension for 'discrediting the Russian army' and turned to ROSshtraf, a crowdfunding initiative, to pay his fine. ROSshtraf and similar groups like Memorial, RosKomSvoboda, OVD-Info, Picketman, and Zaodno, support those prosecuted under Russia's wartime censorship laws. These initiatives use online platforms and decentralized structures to collect funds for fines, often coordinating from outside Russia to avoid shutdown by authorities. The article highlights the stories of individuals who have been helped by these crowdfunding efforts, emphasizing the significance of the support for those with limited financial means and the morale boost it provides to the prosecuted dissenters.

The article discusses the alleged looting of Ukrainian cultural heritage by Russian forces, focusing on the removal of 19th-century paintings from the city of Mariupol. Natalia Kapustnikova, associated with Mariupol's museum, initially refused to disclose the location of paintings by Arkhip Kuindzhi, a renowned artist, to a group of men including Alexander Mozgovoi, a DNR television news anchor. Despite the destruction in Mariupol due to the conflict, Russian forces reportedly located and removed valuable artworks, including Kuindzhi's 'Red Sunset on the Dnipro'. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of stealing over 2,000 unique exhibits, while Mozgovoi claims the artworks were moved to Donetsk for safekeeping. The article also mentions previous instances of art removal by DNR groups and highlights the broader issue of cultural heritage destruction in Ukraine.