Russia vs. Ukraine: Who Has the Stronger Military Going into 2025?

By Kristin Hitchcock Published Dec 13, 9:29AM EST

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Russia vs. Ukraine: Who Has the Stronger Military Going into 2025? — © Armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the map of Europe. (Shutterstock.com) by M-Production

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has brought attention to both country’s military capabilities. There are some significant disparities in manpower, resources, and equipment. However, taking a closer look at these differences can shed some light on their current war.

This article will cover the differences, focusing on critical aspects like airpower, land forces, and financial resources. We used up-to-date data from Global Firepower for official statistics and global military rankings.

Why We’re Covering This

Economic crisis, Inflation. The recession of the economy. Stacks of coins with down arrow and world map.

The Ukraine vs. Russia war has affected the global economy in tons of different ways. Here at 24/7 Wall St., we cover events that impact the economy and have covered the power of different nations before (such as Iran vs. Israel).

Key Points from This Article

Russia ukraine | Ukraine and Russia flag with cracks, political conflict.

There is a huge disparity between Ukraine and Russia regarding raw numbers and resources.
Russia has a formidable edge in manpower, financial resources, airpower, land systems, and naval strength.
Also: Read “The Next NVIDIA.”

1. Total Population

Russia ukraine | Ukraine crisis map. Ukraine and Russia military conflict.

Russia: 141,698,923
Ukraine: 43,306,477

2. Available Manpower

Russia ukraine | Russia vs Ukraine flag on cracked wall, concept of war between russia and ukraine, silhouette of soldiers on russia vs ukraine flag

Russia: 69,432,472
Ukraine: 22,086,303

3. Fit-for-Service Population

Russia: 46,477,247
Ukraine: 15,460,412

4. Reaching Military Age Annually

Military artillery on the streets of night Moscow, Russia

Russia: 1,275,290
Ukraine: 476,371

5. Active Military Personnel

Russia: 1,320,000
Ukraine: 900,000

6. Reserve Personnel

Kazan at sunset, Tatarstan, Russia. Kul Sharif mosque inside Kazan Kremlin, landmark of city in summer. Sunny view of nice Islamic building in Kazan city center. Concept of Russian Muslim culture.

Russia: 2,000,000
Ukraine: 1,200,000

7. Paramilitary Forces

Daily Life In The Donetsk Region, More Than 10 Months After Russian Invasion

Russia: 250,000
Ukraine: 100,000

8. Defense Budget

Russia: $109 billion
Ukraine: $42 billion

9. External Debt

The concept of global economic crisis. Illegal production of US dollars. Print money underground. Printing hundred dollar bills by a criminal.

Russia: $500 billion
Ukraine: $120 billion

10. Foreign Reserve

Currencies banknotes as finance background, exchange world money, investment concept

Russia: $632.2 billion
Ukraine: $30.7 billion

11. Purchasing Power

Money are falling in hole. Economy crisis and bankruptcy concept.

Russia: $4.078 trillion
Ukraine: $379.9 billion

12. Total Aircraft

Russia: 4,255
Ukraine: 321

13. Fighter Aircraft

Russia: 809
Ukraine: 72

14. Dedicated Attack Aircraft

destroyed and burned houses in the city Russia Ukraine war

Russia: 730
Ukraine: 30

15. Helicopters

Anti-Air Units Work To Protect Ukrainian Frontline Positions

Russia: 1,547
Ukraine: 130

16. Tanks

Russia: 14,777
Ukraine: 1,777

17. Armored Vehicles

Ukraine | war in ukraine. Destroyed Ukrainian building and damaged flag in the wind.

Russia: 161,382
Ukraine: 22,110

18. Self-Propelled Artillery

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Russia: 6,208
Ukraine: 1,205

19. Mobile Rocket Projectors

invasion of Ukraine | Volunteer Defence Unit Trains In Kyiv

Russia: 3,065
Ukraine: 491

20. Fleet Strength

russian frigate | missile frigate of Russian fleet

Russia: 781
Ukraine: 104

21. Submarines

Russia: 65
Ukraine: 0

22. Destroyers

Russia: 14
Ukraine: 0

23. Corvettes

Russia: 83
Ukraine: 0

24. Airports

Russia: 1,218
Ukraine: 187

25. Merchant Marine Fleet

Russia: 2,917
Ukraine: 410

26. Roadways

Russia: 1,283,387 km
Ukraine: 169,694 km

27. Oil Production

View of a Typical oil pump jack from an oil field in Bahrain

Russia: 10,750,000 barrels/day
Ukraine: 55,000 barrels/day

28. Natural Gas Production

LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) tanker anchored in Gas terminal gas tanks for storage. Oil Crude Gas Tanker Ship. LPG at Tanker Bay Petroleum Chemical or Methane freighter export import transportation

Russia: 670 billion m³
Ukraine: 19.8 billion m³

About the Author Kristin Hitchcock →

Kristin Hitchcock is a financial expert who has been writing on topics related to retirement for over eight years. Her knowledge spans a wide range of areas, including navigating the complexities of Social Security, developing sustainable investment strategies, and helping individuals achieve their retirement goals.
Throughout her career, she has written for various platforms, including several retirement communities, to ensure that seniors have access to clear and actionable financial advice.

Kristin is also an active investor with more than ten years of experience in a diverse range of investment strategies, including short-term trades, dividend stocks, and options. She enjoys simplifying complex trading concepts by writing easy-to-follow guides that help readers meet their investment goals.