Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Dutch Parliament on 16 December that Russia is losing approximately 30,000 soldiers killed in action each month in its war against Ukraine.
Speaking before the House of Representatives and Senate of the Netherlands, Zelenskyy said that Russian President Vladimir Putin "spends around 30,000 soldiers' lives on the front every month."
"Not wounded – 30,000 killed each month," Zelenskyy said. "There was a month when 25,000 Russians were killed. Another month – 31,000. We have drone footage confirming these deaths."
The Ukrainian president characterized Russian military operations as consistently brutal. "Russian assaults are always insanely bloody – but Putin doesn't care," he said.
Zelenskyy drew a contrast between Russia's attitude toward human casualties and financial losses. "Russians don't count their dead. But they do count every dollar and every euro they lose," he told Dutch lawmakers.
The president used this observation to argue for stronger economic measures against Moscow. "That is why a strong decision on Russian money is needed. These funds must work to defend against Russia. I urge you to support this," Zelenskyy said, referring to frozen Russian assets held primarily in Europe.
Zelenskyy's remarks came during a broader address focused on ongoing peace negotiations and the need for security guarantees. He emphasized that talks are centered not only on achieving a ceasefire but on ensuring accountability for Russian aggression.
"Putin does not believe in people. He believes only in power and in money," Zelenskyy told the Parliament, framing Russia's calculus as one driven by financial considerations rather than concern for human life.
The speech followed intensive weekend talks in Berlin between Ukrainian officials and President-elect Donald Trump's team, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, regarding documents that could stop the war and guarantee security.
The Ukrainian General Staff publishes daily casualty estimates for Russian forces. According to these reports, Russia has recently been losing between 710 and 1,400 personnel per day. The General Staff has previously clarified that these daily figures include both killed and wounded soldiers.
