In a somber revelation, President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed on Sunday that approximately 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives since Russia’s full-scale invasion began two years ago. Speaking at a press conference in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, Zelensky marked the first time during the conflict that a concrete figure has been provided for Ukraine’s toll.
“This is a significant loss for us,” stated President Zelensky, acknowledging the magnitude of the sacrifice made by Ukrainian forces. However, he refrained from divulging the number of wounded or missing soldiers, citing concerns that such information could aid Russia in assessing Ukraine’s active military strength.
While Zelensky’s tally remains unverified independently, it contrasts starkly with earlier estimates by U.S. officials. Over the summer, American authorities suggested much higher casualty figures, estimating close to 70,000 Ukrainian deaths and 100,000 to 120,000 wounded. Furthermore, they claimed that Russia’s military casualties were roughly double that of Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasized that his decision to disclose Ukraine’s losses aims to counter Russian propaganda and challenge alternative estimates that inflate Ukrainian casualties.
The Ukrainian president’s unprecedented acknowledgment arrives amidst challenging circumstances for the country’s armed forces. With Russian troops advancing in the east and south, Ukraine finds itself on the defensive along most of the 600-mile front line. Just a week ago, Moscow seized control of Avdiivka, a key Ukrainian stronghold in the east, and has since been pushing westward, seeking to exploit their gains in the region.
In response to mounting pressure, Ukraine’s top general, Oleksandr Syrsky, ordered a strategic withdrawal from Avdiivka, prioritizing the preservation of soldiers’ lives and well-being as the army’s “highest value.”
Unlike Russia, which has deployed significant numbers of troops regardless of casualties, Ukraine faces challenges due to its smaller military pool and the imperative to safeguard its forces.
As the conflict continues into its third year, Ukrainian military leaders emphasize the urgent need for additional troops to replenish losses and endure further fierce fighting. A mobilization bill currently under consideration in Ukraine’s Parliament could pave the way for a large-scale draft of up to 500,000 soldiers. However, concerns persist within Ukraine about the potential social repercussions of such a mass mobilization.
In an effort to project optimism and resilience, Ukraine’s government convened ministers and top officials in Kyiv on Sunday to unveil plans for the future, signaling the nation’s determination as it enters another year of confrontation with Russia.
