Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed world leaders at the GLOBSEC 2025 Forum via video link with a sharp warning: the Russian Federation has now sustained over one million military casualties since the start of its full-scale invasion, yet the Kremlin continues to reject real efforts towards peace.
Citing figures from Ukraine’s General Staff, Zelenskyy said this toll reflects Moscow’s willingness to sacrifice its population to sustain a “sick geopolitical fantasy.”
“Today, on 12 June, in the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, our military has recorded more than one million Russian casualties—killed and wounded,” Zelenskyy said. “This is the price Putin and those like him are willing to pay. And still they are doing everything to avoid ending this war.”
The updated estimate, released by Ukraine’s General Staff on Thursday morning, places Russia’s total military losses at 1,000,340 since 24 February 2022. In the past 24 hours alone, 1,140 Russian personnel were reported neutralised.
1,000,000 🔥
The combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to June 12, 2025. pic.twitter.com/nLXAEzLmp9
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 12, 2025
These figures were supported by the UK Ministry of Defence, which in its latest intelligence update echoed the assessment, adding that Russia may face record losses in 2025.
“No value for life” – Estonia reacts
Zelenskyy’s intervention prompted swift reactions from key European leaders. Estonian Prime Minister Krišten Mihal posted on social media platform X that the updated casualty figures demonstrated Putin’s complete disregard for human life.
Human life has no value for Putin. Russia’s casualties since 24 February 2022 have exceeded one million.
Putin has rejected any meaningful peace efforts and is only pretending to negotiate.
Our pressure on Russia must continue. It’s the only way for just and lasting peace. https://t.co/H6ShQy8xkn
— Kristen Michal (@KristenMichalPM) June 12, 2025
Three-point strategy: sanctions, military support, and isolation
Zelenskyy’s address, delivered to a gathering that included the presidents of the Czech Republic, Estonia and Serbia, and the prime ministers of Croatia and the Czech Republic, focused on three essential fronts: tightening sanctions, reinforcing Ukraine’s military, and politically isolating the Russian regime.
“Russia does not really care about such human losses. What they do worry about are harsh sanctions—especially those against Russian oil, including a new price cap,” he told the forum. “If Russian oil sells for no more than $30 a barrel, suddenly Moscow will start sounding peaceful.”
He insisted that sanctions must be enforced by all international actors, including the Global South.
“No straddling between Russia and the rest of the world,” Zelenskyy said. “We must shut down all the loopholes funding the Kremlin’s war budget.”
Operation Spiderweb: proof of a changing battlefield
The Ukrainian president cited the recent Operation Spiderweb as an example of evolving military strategy. The drone operation, according to Kyiv, destroyed or disabled 41 Russian military aircraft—many of which had been used in missile attacks on Ukraine and to simulate threats to NATO territory.
“Inexpensive drones targeted very expensive aircraft. It was a legitimate operation,” Zelenskyy said. “Ten years ago such a strike would have been unimaginable. Today we must accept that technology is changing warfare—and no country can afford to fall behind.”
He called for immediate investment in drone manufacturing and R&D across Europe. “Ukraine is ready to increase drone production by 40% this year. But we lack financing. We ask our partners to treat drone development with the same urgency we do.”
“Ukraine is the first line”
Throughout the speech, Zelenskyy underlined Ukraine’s frontline role in defending European security. “Of course NATO is a reliable ally, but Ukraine is standing between this war and the rest of Europe. That is a security guarantee.”
He paid tribute to Ukraine’s infantry, which he described as bearing the heaviest burden of the war. “The most courageous people are on the front line. If the first line fails, everything fails.”
Zelenskyy stated that supporting Ukraine’s military is not only a question of bilateral aid but a condition for European stability.
“This war is not only against Ukraine. Putin started this war against NATO, the civilised world, and everyone in it. Ukraine is the first line. If it fails, Putin will go further.”
Political isolation and future peace
Calling for political isolation of the Russian Federation, Zelenskyy emphasised that Moscow should not be treated as a normal actor in global diplomacy.
“It’s not about whether they attend summits. It’s about whether the rules are enforced—by Europe and the Global South alike. No more business as usual.”
In response to a question about the terms of a just peace, Zelenskyy was unequivocal: “We must make sure Russia and Putin do not prevail in this war. That is the best guarantee for global security—because he will never stop.”
