Kyiv, Ukraine, 2025-09-20

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that Ukrainian forces are inflicting “heavy losses” on Russian troops in an ongoing counteroffensive operation in the Donetsk region, near the towns of Pokrovsk and Dobropillia. In his nightly video address, Zelensky stated that the offensive had successfully disrupted Russia’s long-standing plans to seize the key logistics hub of Pokrovsk. According to the president, the operation has not only halted the Russian advance but has also resulted in a significant increase in Russian prisoners of war, bolstering Ukraine’s “exchange fund.”

Counteroffensive’s Strategic Gains

The counteroffensive, which has been underway for several weeks, is focused on pushing back Russian advances made earlier in the summer. Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces have reclaimed 160 square kilometers of land and “cleared” an additional 170 square kilometers of Russian forces.

 * Disrupting Russian Plans: Zelensky emphasized the strategic importance of the operation, noting that it had thwarted a key Russian objective. “It was there that one of the most important directions of the Russian offensive was located, and they were unable to launch a full-fledged offensive there,” he said.

 * Significant Losses: While specific figures are difficult to verify, Zelensky claimed that Russian forces have suffered “significant losses,” with thousands of casualties and a growing number of prisoners. This has been supported by Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who stated that Ukrainian forces had advanced three to seven kilometers through Russian defenses.

The Human Cost and Broader Context

The claims of Ukrainian success come against a backdrop of immense human and material losses for both sides. The war, now in its third year, has seen both armies suffer staggering casualties.

 * Casualty Figures: According to various international estimates, Russian military casualties have exceeded one million killed and injured since the start of the full-scale invasion. The UK Ministry of Defence estimated in June that Russian military casualties in 2025 alone were in excess of 260,000 personnel.

 * Ongoing Offensive Operations: Despite the Ukrainian counteroffensive, Russian forces are still conducting offensive operations in other areas, including a continued push in the Zaporizhzhia region. This highlights the complex and dynamic nature of the frontline, where advances and retreats are constant.

The success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, if confirmed, could mark a significant turning point in the conflict, demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to not only defend its territory but also to reclaim ground. It underscores the continued urgency of international support for Ukraine in its struggle against a determined adversary.