**Russia Loses 421,000 Troops in Ukraine**
Russia has lost a lot of soldiers in Ukraine. According to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russia has lost over 421,000 troops since the start of the invasion in February 2022. This is the highest number of losses for Russia since the invasion began.
**Ukrainian Military Strengthens**
Syrskyi also reported on the Ukrainian military‘s activities in a Telegram post. He said that the Ukrainian army is controlling key areas, securing the western part of the Black Sea, and weakening Russia’s military power. The Ukrainian military has also established a new branch called Unmanned Systems Forces. This is the first of its kind in the world and uses drones and other technology to fight.
**Unmanned Systems Forces**
The Unmanned Systems Forces use unmanned aerial, surface, subsurface, and ground systems, as well as robotics, in combat operations. In 2024, Ukraine received more drones than before, which resulted in a higher number of Russian targets being hit and destroyed. This is part of the Ukrainian military’s strategy to weaken Russia’s war effort.
**Long-Range Strikes**
Ukraine has been using long-range strikes to target Russian military and industrial facilities. This is known as DeepStrike. The use of these missiles has increased since November, when the US allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory. Since then, Ukraine has intensified its campaign of strikes on Russia.
**Training Extended**
The Ukrainian military leadership has decided to extend the basic training for mobilized personnel from one month to two months. This decision was made to increase the readiness and safety of soldiers. The initiative followed consultations with the General Staff and other officials.