At least 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed on the battlefield since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
According to Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, in a post via his verified X account on Sunday, said that the war had also resulted in over 370,000 cases of medical assistance for wounded Ukrainian troops.
“Our people are defending their homes at the cost of their lives, and every life—of our soldiers and our civilians—is precious to us,” Zelensky said, according to AFP.
Updated figures reveal that Russia has suffered over 750,000 casualties, including 198,000 killed and more than 550,000 wounded.
Zelensky emphasised that the Russian army’s losses have been significantly higher in recent months. “Since September this year, Russia has been losing troops on the battlefield at a ratio of 5-to-1, or even 6-to-1, compared to us,” he stated.
Despite the immense toll, Zelensky highlighted a critical difference between the two forces. “One of the key distinctions between the Russian army and Ukraine’s Defence Forces is the level of frontline medicine, which is significantly higher in our forces.
Approximately half of our soldiers wounded in action are later returning to the battlefield.”
Zelensky also addressed the humanitarian crisis caused by the war, noting that thousands of Ukrainians remain in Russian captivity.
“Since February 24, 2022, we have already managed to bring 3,935 of our people home—3,767 soldiers and 168 civilians. But we must bring everyone back, and much work remains to be done.”
He expressed particular concern for children abducted by Russia, stating, “Russians themselves admit that these abducted children number in the hundreds of thousands, dispersed across their territory. Returning them is the most challenging task.”
During meetings with global leaders, including a visit to French President Emmanuel Macron and discussions with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Zelensky reiterated the need for lasting peace.
“We need a just and enduring peace—one that the Russians will not be able to destroy in a few years, as they have done repeatedly in the past.”
Zelensky warned against trusting Russian intentions without guarantees. “A ceasefire without guarantees can be reignited at any moment, as Putin has already done before.
We must guarantee the reliability of peace and not turn a blind eye to occupation.”
He concluded by urging global unity to counter Russian aggression. “Putin can only be stopped by strength—the strength of world leaders who can become leaders of peace.