Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the country’s defense forces are effectively diminishing the offensive capabilities of the Russian military, with irreversible losses reportedly reaching around 60%. This statement follows a briefing from the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, Oleksandr Ivashchenko, on April 28.
“The Ukrainian defense forces are ensuring the destruction of the Russian army’s offensive potential, with the occupiers’ irreversible losses now close to 60% of total losses. Despite this, Russian political leadership is planning further offensive operations and preparing to mobilize more personnel, including through an expansion of mobilization processes in Russia,” the president stated.
Zelensky mentioned that Ukrainian intelligence possesses internal documents from the Russian General Staff, indicating that the occupiers themselves acknowledge their inability to fulfill the objectives set by their political leadership.
In light of this, Zelensky outlined future priorities for the defense forces, which include increasing the percentage of irreversible losses within the Russian army, enhancing the use of drones on the front lines, and expanding sanctions against Russian arms production and the oil sector.
“We will inform our partners about the ongoing developments in Moscow regarding operations against NATO countries, as well as attempts to involve Belarus more in executing Russian objectives,” he added.
Previously, Zelensky had stated that the spring offensive by Russian troops had failed, but he emphasized that Russia does not plan to halt its military actions. He asserted that the Russian forces lack the strength for a large-scale offensive, resorting instead to tactical infiltration attempts that Ukrainian troops are successfully countering.
On April 17, Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate, reported that Russia is preparing for a new ground assault in southeastern Ukraine, drawing on strategic reserves to bolster its armed forces by approximately 20,000 troops.
Additionally, on April 1, Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Joint Forces Group, indicated that Russia continues to amass troops in preparation for an offensive, including rotations and equipment preparations in the Velykoburlutskyi direction.
“In the Velykoburlutskyi direction, which has been relatively quiet recently, there is, firstly, the withdrawal of some units into Russian territory and the introduction of new ones from Russia, essentially restoring personnel levels to what they were before the winter campaign,” the spokesperson stated.
Ukrainian President Zelensky reported significant Russian military losses and outlined strategic priorities for Ukrainian defense forces. Despite these losses, Russia is planning further offensives and mobilization efforts.