Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Sunday that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives in action over the past two years since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion.
This figure starkly contrasts with estimates previously disseminated by the Russian government, which had suggested significantly lower casualties. Zelensky made this revelation during the 'Ukraine. Year 2024' forum in Kyiv, where western leaders made a symbolic journey to in order to express solidarity with Ukraine as the country marked the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian President Zelensky Reveals Devastating Toll
"31,000 Ukrainian military personnel have been killed in this war. Not 300,000, not 150,000, not whatever Putin and his deceitful circle have been lying about. But nevertheless, each of these losses is a great sacrifice for us," emphasized Zelensky, underscoring the gravity of the toll endured by Ukrainian forces.
While disclosing the death toll, Zelensky did not provide figures concerning the number of troops wounded or missing.
He also lamented the loss of "tens of thousands of civilians" in the occupied regions of Ukraine, highlighting the harrowing human cost of the conflict. However, he admitted that precise figures for civilian casualties remain elusive until the cessation of hostilities.
This disclosure marks the first time that the Ukrainian government has officially acknowledged the extent of its losses since the onset of Russia's full-scale military campaign on February 24, 2022.
In contrast, official casualty figures from the Russian Defense Ministry have been scarce, with the most recent data, released in January 2023, citing just over 6,000 deaths. However, reports from the United States (US) and the United Kingdom officials have indicated significantly higher casualty figures among Russian forces.
An intelligence report declassified by the US in mid-December 2023 estimated that approximately 315,000 Russian troops had either been killed or wounded in Ukraine, suggesting a substantial toll on Moscow's military capabilities.
This revelation aligns with findings from independent Russian news outlets, including Mediazona and Meduza, which reported that the rate of Russian losses in Ukraine remains considerable, with an estimated 120 servicemen perishing daily.
Ukraine's Frustration Mounts Over Delayed Western Military Aid
The Ukrainian government's acknowledgment of its casualties comes amidst mounting frustration over delays in Western military aid.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustam Umerov recently criticized Western allies for the sluggish delivery of promised assistance, asserting that the delays have impeded Ukraine's ability to effectively counter Russian aggression.
"At the moment, commitment does not constitute delivery," Umerov said. He emphasized that the absence of supplies placed Ukraine at a further disadvantage in the mathematics of war.
"We do everything possible and impossible but without timely supply it harms us," he stated.
President Zelensky echoed these concerns, emphasizing the critical need for timely and adequate weapon supplies to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. He cited the lack of weaponry as a significant factor contributing to setbacks in previous counter-offensives against Russian forces, emphasizing the detrimental impact on Ukraine's strategic position.
As Ukraine commemorates two years since the commencement of Russia's full-scale invasion, Western leaders have reaffirmed their support for the embattled nation.
Notably, Italy and Canada have signed security agreements with Ukraine, pledging substantial financial and defense assistance to bolster its resilience against ongoing aggression.
However, challenges persist for both Ukraine and Russia, with the former grappling with delayed aid deliveries and the latter facing constraints in ammunition production.
