Suggesting massive Russian losses? Putin likens war in Ukraine to Battle of Stalingrad

According to the Kremlin leader, the participants in the war against Ukraine, like their predecessors at Stalingrad, "will always remember that Russia is behind them."

Putin’s words were spoken during the keel-laying ceremony of the nuclear icebreaker Stalingrad, which was attended by a veteran of the Battle of Stalingrad.

What is known about the Battle of Stalingrad

The Battle of Stalingrad (July 17, 1942 – February 2, 1943) was a battle between the Soviet forces and the German, Italian, Romanian, and Hungarian troops during the German-Soviet War.

The Red Army emerged victorious, leading to the capitulation of German forces and a "decisive turning point" in the war. This battle was one of the largest during World War II and the Great Patriotic War.

According to estimates, the Soviet forces suffered nearly 480,000 irrecoverable losses during the Battle of Stalingrad alone.

Russian losses in the war

From February 24, 2022, to November 18, 2025, the estimated combat losses of the aggressor country amounted to about 1,160,380 personnel.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on Monday, November 17, Russian forces suffered 960 casualties. Ukrainian forces destroyed 13 artillery systems, multiple rocket launchers, an air defense system, 294 operational-tactical drones, and 43 vehicles.

Russian propaganda previously circulated a video on social media claiming the complete encirclement of Kupiansk. However, it was later confirmed that this was fake.