Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Monday that Russian forces maintain a firm grip across the entire front in Ukraine. Speaking at an expanded meeting with top Russian defense officials, Putin stated that Russian military operations have secured a strategic advantage along the entire frontline, according to TASS and Sputnik News.
Putin emphasized that this year has been pivotal in achieving the objectives of Moscow’s special military operation. He boasted that Russian forces have captured 189 Ukrainian villages so far in 2023 alone.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov provided further details, asserting that Russian troops have liberated 4,500 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year, advancing at an average pace of 30 square kilometers per day.
Belousov also alleged that Ukraine now controls less than 1% of Luhansk and only 25-30% of the regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
In a startling statement, Belousov reported that over 560,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or wounded in battle this year, with total Ukrainian military casualties nearing 1 million since the conflict began. According to TASS, which cited slides from the meeting, Ukrainian casualties have risen from 405,400 at the end of 2023 to 975,100 at present. The report also revealed that Ukrainian military equipment losses have more than doubled, from 51,000 to 109,600 units over the same period.
However, the report did not mention any Russian troop casualties. Bloomberg, citing Western sources, including the U.S., estimates Russian military casualties at around 700,000.
Putin also drew attention to a surge in military recruitment, claiming that over 1,000 new recruits have enlisted daily in the Russian military this year. He noted that while more than 300,000 enlisted in 2023, the number reached 430,000 in 2024. Putin credited these volunteers with shifting the momentum of the conflict in favor of Russian forces.
Putin accused the West of pushing Russia toward a red line and asserted that Moscow’s response to these pressures is inevitable. Specifically, he criticized the U.S. plans to deploy intermediate—and short-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Putin warned that if the U.S. proceeds with these deployments, Russia will lift all voluntary restrictions on its own missile deployments.
He also announced plans to ramp up production of Russia’s latest intermediate-range missile, the Oreshnik, to bolster Russia’s defense capabilities and enhance the security of its allies.
Belousov outlined that the Russian Ministry of Defense is preparing for various potential mid-term scenarios, including a possible military confrontation with NATO within the next decade. He referenced recent NATO summits and military documents from NATO member states as justification for Russia’s preparations for a direct military engagement with the alliance.
Belousov also addressed the U.S. decision to deploy long-range missiles in Germany, warning that such weapons could strike Moscow in just eight minutes. He argued that this move further heightens Russia’s need to adjust its military strategies.
In military updates, the Russian Ministry of Defense issued a statement confirming that Russian forces have successfully taken control of Yelizavetivka, a village located in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.