Russia's irreversible losses in three years of war estimated at 250,000 — Ukraine’s top general

This statement was made by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, in his address marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He also highlighted that, over the course of the war, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have reclaimed more than 50% of the territory occupied by Russian forces since February 24, 2022, and have successfully carried out a number of effective defensive and offensive operations.

“Our ability to act asymmetrically is one of the defining features of this war. The Kursk operation is proof of this. It prevented an enemy offensive in Sumy and Kharkiv regions. For the first time in 11 years, we have moved large-scale combat operations to the enemy's territory and continue to hold hundreds of square kilometers of Kursk region,” added Syryskyi.

He noted that with the support of Western partners and through its own efforts, Ukraine is strengthening its defense capabilities and reorganizing its Armed Forces to improve their effectiveness.

According to the Commander-in-Chief, Ukrainian engineers and IT specialists have written a new page in the history of military art. This war is the first one where drones play a key role, and Ukraine is the first country in the world to create the Unmanned Systems Forces.

“On this day, I want to remember all those who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine. Eternal memory and glory to them! I bow low to every Ukrainian family that lost a son or father, daughter or mother, brother or sister in the war with the Russian occupiers. We will avenge them. In the 20th century alone, the Ukrainian people survived two world wars, collectivization, the Holodomor, occupation and repression... But Ukrainians survived and created an independent state.  We are hardened, strong, and united,” Syrskyi summarized.

• According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as of February 24, 2025, the occupying Russian army lost 868,230 troops.