KYIV: During the “Ukraine Year 2024” forum in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that over the past two years, 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have tragically lost their lives in the conflict following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Zelenskyy emphasized the profound sacrifice each loss represents for Ukraine. He also acknowledged the devastating toll on civilians in occupied regions, though precise figures remain uncertain until the conflict concludes.
This marks the first official confirmation of Ukrainian casualties since Russia initiated its full-scale war on February 24, 2022.
In contrast, Russia has provided limited official data on its casualties. Independent sources, such as Mediazona, reported approximately 75,000 Russian fatalities from 2022 to 2023.
A declassified United States intelligence report from mid-December 2023 estimated that around 315,000 Russian troops had either been killed or wounded in Ukraine, representing a significant portion of Russia’s pre-war military strength.
As commemorations for the second anniversary of the invasion took place, Ukraine’s Western allies reiterated their support through bilateral security agreements and increased aid pledges.
However, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stressed the critical importance of timely arms shipments, emphasizing that delays could result in further loss of life and territory.
Umerov highlighted the vast economic resources Russia allocates to the conflict, underscoring the urgency for allies to fulfill their commitments promptly.
Despite Europe’s acknowledgment of falling short on delivering over one million artillery shells to Ukraine by March, efforts are underway to complete the shipments by the year’s end.
