Russian Forces Suffer Heavy Losses in Ukraine Conflict
Ukrainian forces have inflicted significant casualties on Russian troops, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. In a statement on March 27, Syrskyi said that over 55,000 Russian soldiers had been killed or wounded since the start of Ukraine’s operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces are engaged in defensive operations to prevent Russian advances into Ukraine while conducting counterattacks to gain ground. In the past seven and a half months, Russian losses have included 22,200 soldiers killed in action and 31,800 wounded. Ukrainian forces have also captured more than 940 Russian soldiers.
The conflict has been ongoing despite a temporary pause in U.S. support for Ukraine. The United States resumed its intelligence and military aid to Ukraine on March 11.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denies that his country’s forces are surrounded in Kursk Oblast, but acknowledges that they have retreated from the town of Sudzha under intense Russian attacks.
European countries agree to send troops to Ukraine
Several European countries have agreed to send troops to Ukraine as part of a “reassurance force” in case of a ceasefire with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron made this announcement on March 27 at a summit of European leaders in Paris, which was also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“We must look at the situation with our eyes wide open,” President Zelensky said. “Putin is preparing a new offensive, particularly in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts.”
Russia’s ally North Korea has reportedly provided Moscow with military aid, including short-range ballistic missiles, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers.
Ukraine Sees Rise in Trust
A recent survey shows that the trust-distrust balance for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is +41%, with only 28% of respondents saying they do not trust him.