World · 5 February 2026

Zelensky reveals 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in four years of war

Presidential Office of Ukraine via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers died since Russia's 2022 invasion, rising from the 43,000 reported in December 2024. Speaking to France 2 TV, he noted significant missing personnel while the BBC confirmed 160,000 Russian combat deaths. This disclosure accompanies high-stakes US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi led by Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Simultaneously, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned security risks skyrocketed following the US-Russia nuclear treaty expiration.

By BriefTea Editorial · 5 February 2026 at 13:20

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs