Main points
- Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported that Russia is losing hundreds of soldiers per square kilometer, including 428 soldiers in the Donetsk region.
- Fedorov also announced an increase in the level of interception of air targets, and announced the continuation of diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.
Fedorov on increasing pressure and losses of Russia / Photo of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
The Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding their positions on the front and increasing pressure on the Russian army and economy. The occupiers' losses already exceed their monthly mobilization level.
This was announced by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov at a meeting of the “Ramstein” format, Channel 24 reports.
What losses will Russia suffer?
Mykhailo Fedorov noted that thanks to the actions of the Defense Forces, every meter of Ukrainian territory becomes extremely expensive for the Russian army.
Russia is currently losing 254 soldiers per square kilometer. In the Donetsk region, the enemy is losing an average of 428 soldiers per square kilometer,
– the Minister of Defense clarified.
Fedorov also announced the strengthening of Ukraine's air defense. According to him, the interception rate of cruise missiles has reached 80%, and of drones – over 90%. The results have improved even despite a difficult winter, when Russia sought to destroy Ukraine's energy sector.
According to the Ministry of Defense, from November 2025 to March 2026, the enemy launched 462 ballistic missiles, almost 600 cruise missiles, and 27,000 Shahed drones into Ukraine.
At the same time as strengthening its defense, Ukraine is making diplomatic efforts to achieve peace and increasing pressure on Russia.
“Ukraine is increasing pressure on Russia's economy, particularly in its energy sector. Our actions disrupt logistics, increase costs, and reduce the resources available to finance this war,” the minister concluded.
Recent successes of the Defense Forces
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Hero of Ukraine, commander of the 429th Brigade of Unmanned Systems “Achilles” Yuriy Fedorenko told Channel 24 that 35 thousand Russian soldiers were confirmed to have been eliminated or withdrawn from the battlefield in March 2026. At the same time, the enemy was able to mobilize 28 thousand occupiers.
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So, if Russia has fewer resources to attack, the intensity of fighting will decrease in non-priority areas. According to Fedorenko, if this continues for half a year, Russia will not be able to attack and will switch mainly to defense.
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The Ministry of Defense announced the introduction of drone assault units, where UAVs work together with infantry.