In an interview with the American TV channel Fox News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed official data on the losses of both sides during the full-scale war for the first time. The head of state confirmed that the losses of the Russian army significantly exceed those of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, but urged caution when discussing exact figures.
Losses of the Russian Army
When asked by a journalist whether he knew the approximate losses of the Russian occupation forces over the four years of the conflict, Zelensky answered in the affirmative. According to him, the cumulative losses of the Russian army amount to 1.6 million people.
This figure includes both killed and wounded soldiers. The President clarified that the number of killed on the Russian side is approximately 700,000 people. These data indicate that the war is causing colossal damage to Russia's military potential, which, according to the Ukrainian leader, is steadily growing.
Data on the Losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
When the conversation turned to the losses of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, Volodymyr Zelensky noted that he does not want to be too frank on this issue so as not to provide the enemy with extra information about the state of the Ukrainian army. Nevertheless, he announced approximate figures.
According to the President, the number of killed Ukrainian servicemen is about 50,000 people. In addition, Zelensky reported that the number of wounded soldiers reaches 400,000. He also confirmed the presence of a large number of missing persons, the exact accounting of which is difficult under conditions of active hostilities.
Systemic Changes in the Army
In addition to discussing losses, Volodymyr Zelensky touched upon the issues of reforming the armed forces. He stated that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is preparing a number of systemic changes on the front. These steps are aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the actions of the Ukrainian army and adapting it to the current conditions of the war.
Earlier, the media reported on possible personnel changes in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, including the question of returning Andriy Yermak to the post of minister. Also discussed was the change in Donald Trump's position towards the Ukrainian leader, which could affect the further dynamics of international relations.