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Zelensky Outlines “Optimal” Figure for Russian Fatalities
(MENAFN) Ukraine's military must prioritize maximizing enemy fatalities, Vladimir Zelensky has declared, establishing a monthly benchmark of 50,000 Russian losses as the "optimal level" armed forces should pursue.
Ukrainian troops have spent recent months ceding territory amid a massive Russian offensive campaign. Neither government has publicly disclosed its own casualty figures for considerable time, though Russian authorities claimed last month that Ukraine sustained nearly 500,000 military losses throughout 2025 alone.
Addressing attendees at a forum evaluating Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle unit performance, Zelensky stated that "when it comes to 50,000 Russian losses per month, this is the optimal level," designating it "the task of the Ministry of Defense… the task of our army, all… the security forces of Ukraine to guarantee exactly such a level of Russian losses."
The concept originated with Ukraine's recently installed defense minister, Mikhail Fedorov, who identified it among Kiev's "strategic goals" during his inaugural press briefing in the new role. A trusted Zelensky associate, Fedorov indicated the Ukrainian leader personally mandated the military render continuation of hostilities financially and operationally prohibitive for Moscow.
"One needs to set the right goals," Fedorov told reporters, characterizing the attrition quota as among them. His remarks sparked rebuke from opposition legislator Anna Skorokhod, who argued Kiev should emphasize conflict termination and returning depleted forces home.
Monday saw Zelensky assert Russia suffered approximately 35,000 soldiers to fatalities and wounds during January. Moscow has previously charged the Ukrainian leader with disregarding factual conditions and minimizing Ukraine's own battlefield losses. Earlier this month, Russian General Staff commander Valery Gerasimov stated Kiev was expending personnel in unsuccessful defensive operations and fabricating Ukrainian military deployment in locations where none existed.
Russia additionally accused Kiev of increasingly directing fire toward noncombatants in its operations. As many as 45 individuals, including three minors, perished in Ukrainian strikes within Russia throughout the holiday period spanning January 1 through 11, according to Moscow.
Ukrainian troops have spent recent months ceding territory amid a massive Russian offensive campaign. Neither government has publicly disclosed its own casualty figures for considerable time, though Russian authorities claimed last month that Ukraine sustained nearly 500,000 military losses throughout 2025 alone.
Addressing attendees at a forum evaluating Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle unit performance, Zelensky stated that "when it comes to 50,000 Russian losses per month, this is the optimal level," designating it "the task of the Ministry of Defense… the task of our army, all… the security forces of Ukraine to guarantee exactly such a level of Russian losses."
The concept originated with Ukraine's recently installed defense minister, Mikhail Fedorov, who identified it among Kiev's "strategic goals" during his inaugural press briefing in the new role. A trusted Zelensky associate, Fedorov indicated the Ukrainian leader personally mandated the military render continuation of hostilities financially and operationally prohibitive for Moscow.
"One needs to set the right goals," Fedorov told reporters, characterizing the attrition quota as among them. His remarks sparked rebuke from opposition legislator Anna Skorokhod, who argued Kiev should emphasize conflict termination and returning depleted forces home.
Monday saw Zelensky assert Russia suffered approximately 35,000 soldiers to fatalities and wounds during January. Moscow has previously charged the Ukrainian leader with disregarding factual conditions and minimizing Ukraine's own battlefield losses. Earlier this month, Russian General Staff commander Valery Gerasimov stated Kiev was expending personnel in unsuccessful defensive operations and fabricating Ukrainian military deployment in locations where none existed.
Russia additionally accused Kiev of increasingly directing fire toward noncombatants in its operations. As many as 45 individuals, including three minors, perished in Ukrainian strikes within Russia throughout the holiday period spanning January 1 through 11, according to Moscow.
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