Russia Pays Heavy Price for Putin's War, Kyiv Claims

Ukraine says Russia is paying a heavy price for the war launched on Vladimir Putin's orders, citing record military losses and a reversal of territorial gains. President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha both released statements highlighting the figures.

Zelensky said Ukrainian defence forces dealt record-level damage to Russian troops in October. He said they also reclaimed more territory than Russian occupying forces were able to take during the same month.

In a post on X, Zelensky said 54,400 Russian soldiers were killed or seriously wounded in just one month. He described it as the biggest monthly loss suffered by Russia during the entire conflict. He also noted that daily losses hit a fresh high, with 2,250 Russian soldiers lost on October 21.

The Ukrainian leader said the most significant development was the steady recovery of Ukrainian land. In October, defence forces freed 96.2 square kilometres, which is 10.4 square kilometres more than the area Russia seized in that period.

Zelensky praised all defenders, male and female soldiers, and every brigade and unit for the achievement. He said Ukraine is holding its positions, liberating territory and ensuring that each day of the war becomes more costly for the invading side. He called on Russia to accept a ceasefire and pursue diplomatic talks to avoid further heavy losses.

Sybiha said Russia was not close to reaching its goals despite the losses and was not winning the war. He said the 54,400 Russian soldiers had been killed or maimed without any justification.

Sybiha also said Ukraine is prepared to discuss a fair and mutually agreed settlement to halt fighting. Moscow, however, is not yet willing to do so, he said. He urged firm, collective pressure on Russia across all fronts to force Putin to the negotiating table and bring peace. He warned that the cost of the war would continue to rise for Putin, his associates and his government.