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Losses of russian forces now exceed russia’s mobilization rates, says Mykhailo Fedorov at the opening of the 34th Ramstein-format meeting

Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov during the Ramstein-format meeting
The 34th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the level of NATO defense ministers has begun

The 34th ministerial meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format has begun in Berlin.

At the opening of the meeting, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, addressed defense ministers, partners, and media representatives. He first expressed gratitude to every country helping to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

“Ukraine seeks peace. Our diplomatic efforts continue on a daily basis. However, diplomacy is effective only when Ukraine is strong on the battlefield and when russia’s ability to continue the war is significantly diminished,” said the Minister of Defence.

Mykhailo Fedorov explained that Ukraine’s approach to the war, structured around three domains—air, land, and the economy—is already producing results.

Effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense

According to the Minister of Defence, during the previous winter, the enemy launched the following against Ukraine:

  • 462 ballistic missiles;
  • nearly 600 cruise missiles;
  • 27,000 Shahed-type drones.

“The objective was to destroy the energy system and leave people without electricity. Ukraine endured,” Mykhailo Fedorov emphasized.

Ukraine has enhanced its air defense capabilities, with interception rates reaching nearly 80% for cruise missiles and up to 90% for drones.

“I thank our partners for their support through the PURL programme. I am grateful to Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, and Romania for Patriot missiles, and to the United States for enabling partners to procure the necessary interceptors,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Defence.

Losses of russian forces have exceeded russia’s mobilization rates

The Minister noted that on the battlefield, the Defence Forces of Ukraine are not only holding the line but also intensifying pressure. Losses of russian forces have reached a level that exceeds russia’s mobilization rates.

“We are inflicting significant costs on the enemy for every meter of Ukrainian land,” Mykhailo Fedorov added.

Today, russia is sustaining losses of 254 personnel per square kilometer, and in the Donetsk region, an average of 428.

In parallel, Ukraine is increasing pressure on russia’s economy, particularly in the energy sector. At the same time, efforts are underway to disrupt the enemy’s logistics, increase its expenditures, and constrain the resources available to finance the war.

According to Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s priorities remain unchanged:

  • air defense;
  • scaling up Ukrainian drones and missiles;
  • ensuring the supply of long-range artillery ammunition.

“Today, we will present new initiatives to strengthen cooperation. These are true win-win partnerships. Together, we will advance a just and lasting peace,” Mykhailo Fedorov concluded.

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