Zelenskyy announced the figure for Russian losses he hopes to see in August
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he expects at least 30,000 Russian soldiers to be killed in August. He made this remark during an evening address on August 14, in which he also spoke about the Ukrainian army’s need for drones, technology, and additional funding.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine must continue to inflict significant losses on the Russian army on the battlefield. The president cited a specific figure he expects to see by the end of August. “I expect that now, in August, there will be no fewer than 30,000 occupiers killed,” Zelenskyy said.
This is specifically the president’s expectation. The actual losses of the Russian military over the month can only be assessed at the end of August based on data from the Ukrainian side and other available sources.
Ukraine Needs Drones and New Technologies
According to Zelenskyy, the issue of Russian military losses is directly linked to the technological sophistication of Ukraine’s defense. The president said he had spoken with Acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara about the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among the key issues are drones, modern technologies, and providing the army with the necessary resources.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine must continue to develop the technological capabilities of its armed forces. This, he said, allows for more effective counteraction against Russian forces and reduces risks to Ukrainian servicemen.
Additional funding is needed for the military
The president also raised the issue of funding for the Ukrainian military. He noted that expenditures in the first half of the year were significantly higher than expected. Ukraine now needs to secure additional funds to cover the budget shortfall and meet the Defense Forces’ ongoing needs. “The amount is substantial: expenditures in the first half of the year were significantly higher, and this is now a new challenge—to secure the necessary funding. Additional funding. We will discuss this with our partners,” Zelenskyy stated.
The president added that he expects the government and parliament to work together to secure the necessary funds. This is not just about current expenditures. Ukraine needs to continue purchasing and manufacturing drones, developing defense technologies, and supporting military units.
Zelenskyy Wants to Enhance the Army’s Technological Capabilities
The president emphasized that the technological capabilities of the Ukrainian army must continue to grow. “The technological capabilities of our army and our defense operations must continue to grow. And that is the only way,” he said.
According to Zelenskyy, the decisions Ukraine began making last fall have already made it possible to transition to a more technologically advanced defense this winter and spring. Now the government plans to continue in this direction. This requires not only military decisions but also sufficient funding and support from international partners.
Thus, the figure of 30,000 Russian troops eliminated in August, as cited by Zelenskyy, is an expected benchmark that the president links to the goal of weakening the Russian army as much as possible. At the same time, he cites the development of Ukrainian technologies—primarily drones—as well as adequate funding for the Defense Forces as the key factors for achieving this. The head of state made these remarks in an evening address to Ukrainians on August 14.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine continues to carry out its plan for long-range strikes against Russia and has already achieved results in the southern sector. According to him, Ukrainian strikes on oil facilities and military logistics, as well as operations in the Black and Azov Seas, are intended to limit Russia’s ability to wage war.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that, following a briefing by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapaty, steps were identified to reinforce the Sloviansk and Kostiantynivka sectors.
