Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disclosed that 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since Russia’s invasion began, with approximately 370,000 injuries reported. He noted this includes soldiers wounded multiple times, some with minor injuries. Zelensky also estimated Russian casualties at 198,000 deaths and 550,000 wounded, though these figures are contested and cannot be independently verified.
This marks the first significant update on Ukrainian losses since February when Zelensky reported 31,000 deaths. The admission comes after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump claimed 400,000 Ukrainian and 600,000 Russian casualties in the war, pushing Zelensky to respond.
The war continues to intensify, with heavy casualties on both sides. Recent UK Defense Ministry data indicates Russia suffered its highest monthly toll in November, with over 45,000 casualties. Western officials suggest Russian losses are higher due to its “meat grinder” tactics. Meanwhile, Russian forces have made incremental gains in eastern Ukraine and Russia’s Kursk region, while Ukraine retains limited territorial control in Russia.
Amid ongoing talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and President-elect Trump, Zelensky emphasized that any peace deal must include robust international security guarantees to prevent future conflict. Trump has proposed ending the war quickly but has yet to detail his plan. Moscow insists negotiations must meet its territorial demands, which Kyiv rejects.
The conflict, which began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, shows no sign of resolution as both sides prepare for prolonged hostilities.