Zelenskyy reveals Ukraine–Russia casualty ratio
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has disclosed new data on battlefield losses, stating that Russian forces are losing approximately 30,000–35,000 personnel per month. According to him, the current casualty ratio between Ukrainian and Russian troops stands at roughly 1:8, indicating a significant advantage for Ukraine in preserving manpower.
The President of Ukraine shared these remarks in an interview with Le Monde.
Zelenskyy stressed that the lack of frontline progress effectively amounts to a defeat for Russia.
According to him, much of the international discussion is based on the perception that Russia is advancing while Ukraine is retreating, and Moscow often succeeds in imposing this narrative.
“And, unfortunately, Moscow is very successful — far too often — in selling this narrative to the United States,” he said.
Zelenskyy also revealed what he described as record Russian losses. He noted that at the beginning of the war, the casualty ratio was approximately 1:3.
“In the second half of 2025 and in January and February 2026, Russia lost six soldiers for every Ukrainian soldier lost, and in some areas — eight. They are now losing an enormous number of people — 30,000–35,000 a month,” the President said.
The Ukrainian leader also commented on whether the Kremlin might decide to launch a large-scale mobilisation.
“Will they decide to go for a large mobilisation? I cannot say. So far, they have avoided such steps and have instead relied on recruiting personnel through high financial incentives,” he explained.
Zelenskyy also outlined why Ukraine reacts so sensitively to any easing of sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
“Because it is about money. And money is not only about tanks. No one fights with tanks alone anymore. Money means drones. Money means people. People mean contracts. And if they do not have money for contracts, their forces decrease,” the President concluded.
Recently, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that between 17 and 20 March, Russia intensified its offensive in several directions, with heavy fighting taking place.
Tens of thousands of soldiers were reportedly thrown into so-called “meat assaults”, but these attempts failed with catastrophic losses.
Russian forces lost 1,210 troops and one air defence system in a single day.
A total of 140 combat engagements were recorded along the frontline. In the Pokrovsk direction alone, Russian forces carried out 39 attacks on Ukrainian positions, losing more than 150 troops.
Russian forces also struck a hospital in the settlement of Shevchenkove in the Kupiansk district of the Kharkiv region. According to preliminary information, three people were injured in the attack.
