Counting the War's Toll
President Volodymyr Zelensky shared approximate casualty numbers for both sides during an interview with Fox News. He said Russia has lost around 700,000 troops killed, with total Russian army losses—including those wounded—reaching about 1.6 million. Ukraine, by his estimate, has seen 50,000 soldiers killed and roughly 400,000 wounded. Zelensky also mentioned a significant number of missing soldiers, but gave no specifics.
Momentum on the Battlefield
Zelensky argued that Russia does not hold the momentum on the front line. In his view, the main goal is to preserve Ukraine's independence and territory.
"Between us, winning means not losing our country and independence. In that sense, we are winning." – Volodymyr Zelensky
"We are not losing, and the Russians are not winning," he added. "The key thing is that the initiative is not in Russia's hands."
The casualty figures underscore the heavy human price of the conflict and the severity of the fighting. By focusing on independence and territorial control, Zelensky framed the war as a fight for national survival and resilience. While acknowledging the difficult situation, he conveyed that Ukrainian forces are still resisting and that Russia is not dictating the course of the war.
In light of the ongoing conflict, Zelensky also emphasized the recent developments in diplomacy, noting that a new opportunity has arisen for Ukraine following a meeting with Trump. This diplomatic shift could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ukraine's defense strategy and international support.