‘Madness’: Volodymyr Zelenskyy says ‘Russia losing 1,000 soldiers daily since December to prolong Ukraine war’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Russia is losing no fewer than 1,000 soldiers every day, a toll he said reflects the price Moscow is willing to pay simply to prevent the war from ending.

Zelenskyy described the situation as ‘madness’ and urged the United States, Europe and Ukraine’s international partners to act together to stop Russia’s aggression.

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“Right now, Russian losses amount to no less than 1,000 killed per day – and this has been the case since December. This is how Russia is essentially paying just to keep the war from ending. This is madness and it can only be stopped by combined forces – the forces of Europe and the United States, the forces of all our partners,” Zelenskyy said.

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He warned that every passing day of the conflict exposes the world’s inability to restrain violent regimes.

“Every day of this war is a reminder that the world cannot protect itself from madmen. We must protect it. Russia must be stopped,” he added.

Zelenskyy also thanked countries backing Ukraine with military and humanitarian support, saying their assistance remains vital for defence and recovery.

“Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who helps our people, our defence, and our recovery! Glory to Ukraine!” he said.

Russia paying heavy cost to keep war going, Zelenskyy says

Zelenskyy’s remarks came days after Ukraine faced one of the largest aerial assaults in recent months. He said Russia launched a massive overnight attack using drones and missiles, targeting Kyiv and several other regions.

According to the Ukrainian President, the assault involved 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles and 22 cruise missiles. At least four people were killed and dozens injured.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said civilian infrastructure and energy facilities were hit during a spell of severe cold, worsening conditions for residents as the war in Eastern Europe stretches into its fourth year.

He confirmed that four deaths occurred in the capital alone, including a member of an ambulance crew. Emergency services were still responding to the damage, he said.

“In Kyiv and the region, the aftermath of the massive Russian strike is still being dealt with. All necessary services are deployed. Twenty residential buildings alone were damaged,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that rescue and repair work was also underway in the Lviv region and other affected areas. Zelenskyy noted that a second strike hit a residential building while first responders were already on site, assisting victims after the initial attack.