Zelenskyy releases Ukrainian loss numbers for the first time

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has, for the first time, released the number of losses that the Ukrainian side has sustained in the war with Russia, The Guardian writes. Zelenskyy noted that 31,000 soldiers have been killed and added that 2024 is going to be a decisive year with regard to the conflict outcome.

Zelenskyy refused to mention the number of the wounded on the Ukrainian side, noting that such details could benefit Moscow. He added that the Western estimates of Ukraine’s losses are too high. U.S. officials estimate that 70,000 soldiers were killed and 120,000 wounded.

Zelenskyy noted that the number of losses on the Russian side has been 180,000, adding that more than 300,000 have been wounded.

In Kyiv, the Ukrainian president said he believes his country will win despite recent military setbacks. He reiterated that they are facing a shortage of Western weapons.