Ukraine's newly appointed Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has issued a stark directive to the nation's military forces, declaring that the country must aim to kill 50,000 Russians per month in order to secure victory in the ongoing conflict. This statement was made during a meeting with reporters, where Fedorov outlined his strategic priorities for the war effort.
Shocking Figures and Strategic Goals
Fedorov revealed that in December alone, an estimated 35,000 Russian soldiers were killed, with these losses reportedly verified through video evidence. He emphasised that this figure must be escalated to 50,000 monthly to effectively pressure the enemy. "If we reach 50,000, we will see what happens to the enemy," Fedorov stated. "They view people as a resource, and shortages are already evident."
Management and Accountability in War Effort
The defence minister identified two key priorities for his tenure. The first is the management of Ukraine's war effort, which he insists must be built around individuals capable of achieving defined goals. "If people don't demonstrate measurable results, they can't remain in the system," Fedorov asserted, highlighting a focus on accountability and efficiency in military operations.
Context of the Conflict's Toll
These remarks come as the war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, approaches its fourth anniversary. While both sides rarely disclose official casualty figures, independent reports paint a grim picture of the human cost:
- A BBC report from December estimates Russian deaths could range from 243,000 to 352,000.
- The same broadcaster puts Ukrainian deaths at approximately 140,000.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated that battlefield deaths for Ukraine stood at 46,000, with an additional 380,000 wounded.
- The Kyiv Independent reported that Russia's overall casualties, including wounded, have likely surpassed 1,200,000.
Manpower Shortages on Both Sides
The conflict has led to severe manpower challenges for both nations. According to the Kyiv Independent, Ukraine is facing increasingly serious shortages, particularly among infantry units holding the front line. Fedorov noted on January 14 that two million Ukrainians are wanted for evading mobilisation, and another 200,000 soldiers are absent without official leave as commanders struggle to fill gaps from battlefield losses.
On the Russian side, the UK Ministry of Defence has echoed estimates of high casualties. In an intelligence update reported by the UK Defence Journal, it was stated that the Russian Armed Forces have likely sustained approximately 1,000,000 casualties (killed and wounded) since the full-scale invasion. Of these, around 250,000 Russian soldiers are believed to be killed or missing, marking Russia's largest losses in an active conflict since the Second World War.
Background on Mykhailo Fedorov
Mykhailo Fedorov was appointed as Ukraine's new Defence Minister on January 14. Prior to this role, he headed the country's Digital Transformation Ministry, which is responsible for drone production, a key component in modern warfare tactics. His transition to defence leadership underscores Ukraine's integration of technological innovation into its military strategy.
As the war drags on, Fedorov's call for increased Russian casualties reflects the brutal realities of a conflict that continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides, with no immediate end in sight.
