War Claims Lives of 31,000 Ukrainian and 180,000 Russian Soldiers

During a press conference on Sunday, February 25, marking the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion of the Russian army into Ukraine, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky made some startling revelations about the toll of the war. He noted that approximately 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.

In his address, Zelensky also provided an estimate of Russian casualties, stating that around 180 thousand Russian military personnel have been killed in the war. This further highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on both sides.

The Ukrainian President went on to eloquently speak about how war changes a country and its people. He stated, “War changes the country, makes some more stable, some tired, and overall tougher. And I am no exception, I am a citizen of Ukraine. And as our society changes, I change. My communication does not depend on the tone “, which I fantasized for myself, but from what is inside me and inside society. I am an integral part of the citizens of Ukraine, and this is how I communicate. I try to tell people as much as possible about what is happening. There are details that I cannot disseminate , but in what I say at the moment, when I speak, I tell people the truth. And for me this is important,”

He further emphasized that for Ukraine and Ukrainians, there is no alternative but to secure their own safety. This involves creating a strong army, while they are not in NATO, and seeking security guarantees from their partners.

Zelensky stressed his commitment to the security of Ukraine, saying, “And I do not absolve our responsibility here. Internal security, a very strong army, while we are not in NATO, and security guarantees from our partners. Guarantees that any return of Russian aggression to the territory of Ukraine, while we are not in the Alliance, they must protect us “, the president emphasized.

As for the possibility of negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky expressed doubts. He questioned the feasibility of dialogue with a person who suppresses his opponents and is deaf to their pleas. However, he remained committed to seeking justice and holding Russia accountable for the war.

He also addressed recent comments made by the head of his office, Andriy Yermak, about the possibility of inviting Russia to a second conference on Ukraine in Switzerland. The Ukrainian president clarified that while Russia might be invited, the representatives of Russia will only be presented with a predetermined plan prepared by the conference participants. This plan will be presented to Russia, and it will be ready for the second summit, he added.