Zelensky Reveals 55,000 Ukrainian Soldiers Killed in War: A Grim Update

Fri Feb 06 2026 01:02:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that over 55,000 soldiers have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict with Russia, shedding light on the heavy toll the war has taken.

In a recent interview, President Zelensky stated that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since the war's escalation in February 2022. While both nations have been cautious about releasing their own casualty figures, Zelensky mentioned many are also categorized as missing. The conflict has claimed a staggering number of lives on both sides, with estimates from Western sources indicating around 160,000 Russian fatalities. Concurrently, US diplomats are in talks aiming for a peace deal amidst rising tensions in the region.

Heavy Toll of War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in an interview that the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the conflict with Russia has reached 55,000, a staggering toll over the past four years. This figure reveals the extent of the human cost in a war that has seen both countries reluctant to disclose their own casualties.

Zelensky highlighted in his conversation with France 2 TV that while these soldiers are officially recognized as deceased, there remains a large number categorized as missing. Citing that 70,000 individuals are recorded as missing by Ukraine's interior ministry, the real losses could be significantly higher.

Comparatively, Western intelligence sources provide estimates suggesting Russia has suffered losses of nearly 160,000 soldiers since the war began. Meanwhile, ongoing diplomatic efforts, including discussions led by former US President Donald Trump and his envoys, aim to establish a peace deal between both nations, despite recent escalations in violence.

The discussions in Abu Dhabi resulted in an agreement for a prisoner swap, marking the first such exchange in months, showcasing that while substantial challenges remain, continued diplomatic engagement is crucial in resolving this conflict.