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Russia Loses 400 Soldiers for Every Square Kilometer Captured in Donetsk, Syrskyi Says
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia is losing more than 400 troops for every square kilometer of territory it captures in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi.
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Syrskyi disclosed the figure following a meeting with Lieutenant General Curtis Buzzard, commander of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission. In a statement published on July 14, the Ukrainian commander said he had briefed his US counterpart on the current battlefield situation and Ukraine’s operational priorities.
“Ukrainian warriors are making every effort to ensure that every step the enemy takes becomes as costly and exhausting as possible for them. Thus, for example, in the Donetsk region, the Russian army loses more than 400 soldiers to capture one square kilometer of territory,” Syrskyi said.
According to Syrskyi, Ukraine continues to pursue what he described as an “active defense” strategy aimed at regaining the strategic initiative while reducing Russia’s offensive capabilities. He added that Ukrainian forces are also working to limit Russia’s ability to conduct large-scale missile and air strikes.
As part of that effort, Ukraine continues striking Russia’s defense-industrial facilities at distances of up to 2,000 kilometers. Syrskyi also said Ukrainian forces are targeting Russian logistics infrastructure under the Middle Strike campaign at ranges of 200–300 kilometers behind the front line.
“Also, within the framework of Middle Strike, we are destroying the Russians' logistics network at a distance of up to 200–300 km from the front line. This should also affect the battlefield,” he said.
The figures come as previous reporting has highlighted the high human cost of Russia’s offensive operations. Earlier this month, Radio Svoboda reported that some Russian assault groups were sent on high-risk missions to raise flags in contested settlements for battlefield reports and propaganda, with participants reportedly suffering heavy losses.
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-3ce95dc209ad31b009939a65ca67e0ea.jpg "Smoke rising from an oil processing unit at the Salavat oil refinery in Russia’s Bashkortostan region, July 14, 2026.")
