Russia's manpower losses reach 1.26 million, but enemy adapts and changes tactics, says Palisa

The capture of one kilometer of Ukrainian territory in 2025 cost the Russian Federation about 120 soldiers.

This was stated in an interview with Ukrinform by Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Colonel Pavlo Palisa.

"Russia's total losses in manpower already amount to 1 million 260 thousand people (the largest losses since World War II), and the cost of capturing one kilometer in 2025 costs them 120 people. These are not just numbers. Russia has lost its reputation as the “second army in the world.” It has lost a significant part of its professional military personnel. It has become dependent on external component supplies and on the support of other authoritarian regimes. This is also a price," he explained.

Palisa added that the Russians have effectively put their economy into a state of military mobilization.

"This means increased defense spending, reduced investment in the civilian sector, and technological isolation. Such a model may work for a certain period of time, but it does not create long-term stability. But we must be honest: despite these losses, Russia has not stopped. It is adapting. It is changing its tactics. It is ready to pay a high price for its imperial ambitions," the colonel said.

As reported by Ukrinform, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, said that last year of the war was the first for the Russian army during which its human losses in Ukraine exceeded the level of recruitment.

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