Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that 43,000 of his country’s soldiers have been killed and 370,000 wounded since Russia’s full-scale invasion began nearly three years ago. This number differs sharply from estimates by US officials and military analysts, who put the death toll closer to 70,000.
Zelensky’s statement comes as Kyiv’s forces continue to lose ground to Russian troops, making casualty figures a highly sensitive topic in Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader did not provide independent verification for his numbers but said that about half of wounded soldiers return to the battlefield after treatment, suggesting that Ukraine has suffered around 230,000 irreplaceable losses.
US President-elect Donald Trump has also weighed in on the conflict, saying that Russia’s casualties are close to 600,000 soldiers and urging Vladimir Putin to begin negotiations. In a conversation with Zelensky in Paris, Trump promised to end the war quickly but has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials that it could leave Russia in control of significant territory.
The Biden administration is trying to expedite military assistance to Ukraine, including a $1 billion package announced on Saturday, while American officials emphasize that additional aid is needed to address battlefield losses. They recommend expanding conscription to replace the losses and urge Kyiv to speed up recruitment efforts.
Despite facing greater difficulties in replenishing its ranks, Ukrainian forces are still vulnerable due to Russia’s ability to recruit heavily from prisons and volunteers. The situation on the ground remains critical, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/08/world/europe/ukrainian-war-dead.html