French Ambassador to Ukraine, Étienne Séjourné, has made a stark assessment of Russia’s military performance in the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that Paris estimates total Russian casualties, including wounded, to be a staggering 500,000.
In an interview with Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta Europe, Séjourné emphasized that Europe and its partners will remain united and determined in their support for Ukraine, for as long as necessary.
Séjourné’s remarks come as the war enters its third year, with Russia’s military failure increasingly apparent. The estimated 500,000 Russian military losses, including 150,000 deaths, raise questions about the purpose of the ongoing conflict. “All of this for what?” Séjourné asked, answering, “This can be summed up in two words: for nothing.”
Ukraine’s fight against Russia (Credits: Le Monde)
The Russian government has not disclosed information on its casualties, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimated in February that 180,000 Russian troops had been killed in the war.
Britain estimates that approximately 450,000 Russians have been killed or wounded in Ukraine, while the BBC reported in April that more than 50,000 Russian military personnel have died.
The conflict, which began on February 24, 2022, has turned into a bloody attrition war, isolating Russia from the West. Some military analysts believe that Russia may be preparing to launch a major new offensive in Ukraine.
War in Ukraine (Credits: Le Monde)
In addition to discussing Russian casualties, Séjourné addressed the issue of frozen Russian assets in the European Union. He reaffirmed that the funds could be used to finance the defense of Ukraine against the invasion but did not provide specifics.
“With the rise in rates, these assets generated almost 4 billion euros in revenue in 2023. We want them to finance defense and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.”
Novaya Gazeta Europe, founded by exiled journalists from Russia’s top independent newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, has been a crucial source of independent information on the war in Ukraine.
