At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the severe human cost of the ongoing conflict, highlighting that Russia suffers significant military casualties in its invasion of Ukraine. He revealed that for every kilometre of territory Russia occupies in Donetsk Oblast, the Kremlin incurs the loss of 156 soldiers either killed or severely wounded. Zelenskyy provided a stark comparison of Russian losses, stating that in December alone, Ukrainian forces were responsible for the deaths and injuries of approximately 35,000 Russian troops, and in January, the number decreased to around 30,000 due to fewer assaults by Russian forces.

Zelenskyy underscored the relentless nature of the conflict in Donetsk, describing it as one of the most intense battlefields in Ukraine. He pointed out that despite the staggering losses, President Putin seems unconcerned about the high price paid by his military for territorial gains. This raises questions about the Kremlin's military strategy and the willingness of the leadership to expend human lives in pursuit of political goals. The high casualty rate provides insight into the difficulties faced by Russian forces on the ground, as Ukrainian defenses continue to hold strong against the ongoing invasions.

The statements made by Zelenskyy also serve to bolster international support for Ukraine, as they illustrate not only the costs of the war but also the resilience of Ukrainian forces. By shedding light on Russia's losses, Ukraine aims to draw attention to the urgent need for continued military and humanitarian assistance, reinforcing the message that the fight for Ukraine's sovereignty is met with heavy resistance from its armed forces.