Russia-Ukraine — 2026-04-03

Zelensky Reports Record Russian Casualties in March as Moscow Rejects Easter Truce

President Zelensky announced Russian losses in March exceeded 35,000, the highest monthly toll since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Cumulative Russian personnel losses now exceed 1.3 million. Separately, Moscow has rejected Ukraine's proposed Easter ceasefire (Orthodox Easter falls April 20), with Kremlin spokesman Peskov calling it a PR stunt and demanding a lasting settlement instead. Russia responded to the proposal with a barrage of over 700 drones.

Analysis
The 35,000 monthly figure is from Ukraine's General Staff, which has consistently reported higher numbers than Western estimates. Russia does not publish casualty figures. The 1.3 million cumulative total likely includes wounded and killed combined. Regardless of the exact number, both Western and Ukrainian sources agree March represented an escalation in Russian losses, consistent with intensified offensive operations.
2 sources
  1. Russia loses 1,230 troops in war against Ukraine over past day - Ukrinform
  2. Zelensky Calls for Easter Ceasefire With Russia - The Moscow Times

View in full brief →

UNCLASSIFIED // OPEN SOURCE