Russia sacrifices 400 soldiers for every square kilometer of Ukrainian land, MoD reveals
In approximately two months, Russian invaders lost over 54,000 soldiers in attempts to advance in Ukraine. The Kremlin sacrifices about 400 of its soldiers in exchange for 1 square kilometer of Ukrainian land, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
During today's 18th meeting of the Contact Group on Defense in the Ramstein format, held online on November 23, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that Russia had sent thousands of soldiers to their deaths.
"On average, they sacrifice 400 soldiers in exchange for one square kilometer of land. Since our last meeting (the previous Ramstein meeting took place on November 22, 2023 - Ed.), Russia has lost over 54,000 soldiers. However, the enemy has unlimited mobilization resources," Umerov said.
The Minister of Defense also commented on the strategic results of enemy advances, including the situation in Bakhmut and Maryinka.
"It can hardly be considered an achievement that Russia's vast military-industrial complex, the entire army of the aggressor, captured the ruins of two cities - Bakhmut and Maryinka - for a whole year," he said.
However, Umerov noted that the enemy did not cease offensive actions along the entire front and throughout Ukraine.
"The enemy used six times more artillery shells than Ukrainian forces. Despite its resources and the advantage in weapon production, Russia has not come closer to its strategic goals. The entire Russian military machine is working at full capacity to attack small Ukrainian villages," the minister said.
He added that, even with a sixfold artillery advantage, the Russians could not achieve "any significant result."
"Imagine how the situation on the battlefield would change if the proportions were 1 to 1. Therefore, constant support and an increase in military aid packages are extremely important for Ukraine," he stated.
Frontline situation on January 23
Earlier, it was reported that according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there were 68 combat clashes on the front in Ukraine during the past day. Defense forces repelled Russian attacks near the town of Terniv in the Donetsk region, as well as the enemy's assault on the Kherson direction.
As of the morning of January 23, Russia's losses in the full-scale war against Ukraine amounted to 960 occupiers, and the total number of losses in the Russian army reached nearly 378,000 military personnel.