Ninety percent of Russian troop losses on front line caused by drone operations – Ukrainian government

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Ukrainian government has stated that up to 90 percent of Russian troop losses on the front line are caused by drone operations.

The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja. Ukrainian authorities stated that Ukraine continues to reinforce its reputation as one of the most effective users of unmanned systems in modern warfare, turning drones into a key instrument for deterring Russian aggression and inflicting significant losses on the enemy.

“According to available estimates, up to 90 percent of Russian troop losses on the front line are caused by drone operations. Ukrainian forces demonstrate a high level of technological adaptability, enabling effective strikes against both personnel and military infrastructure,” the Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria said.

Responding to the ongoing war between Russian and Ukrainian forces, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, said, “Technological adaptability is one of Ukraine’s key advantages in this war. Unmanned systems play a critical role in saving Ukrainian lives and degrading the enemy’s capabilities.”

The Ukrainian Embassy further noted that recent operations included a reported strike in early April on the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich, a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles. Additional strikes targeted the port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, as well as facilities in Ust-Luga in northern Russia.

“According to updated figures presented by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian losses in March 2026 amounted to 35,351 killed and wounded. These figures, confirmed by video evidence, represent a new record, surpassing the previous high of 35,000 recorded in December 2025.

“On average, Russian forces were losing approximately 1,140 troops per day across the entire front line, while actual losses may be higher due to limitations in verifying certain combat engagements,” the embassy added.

According to the President, Russia recruited approximately 80,000 troops in the first quarter of 2026, while losses exceeded 90,000 over the same period, indicating a negative trend. Ukrainian officials also noted that over the past three months, Russia has made no territorial gains despite heavy losses. Overall, Russian military losses are estimated at approximately 400,000 over the past year and more than 1.2 million over four years of full-scale war.

Kholostenko further warned citizens of African countries to remain vigilant amid rising losses, highlighting the risks of foreign recruitment into the war. In this context, Kholostenko drew attention to Ukraine’s official state project “I Want to Live,” established by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War with the support of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

The initiative provides Russian servicemen, including foreign nationals, with a safe and lawful opportunity to surrender in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

“Those who choose this option are guaranteed proper conditions of detention, including regular meals, medical care, the possibility to maintain contact with their families, as well as oversight by the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international humanitarian organisations.

“Ukraine remains ready for a peaceful settlement and to end the war at any moment, provided that a just and lasting peace is achieved,” Kholostenko emphasised.