Zelensky confirms 55,000 Ukrainian soldier deaths while US-led peace talks continue with Russia in Abu Dhabi.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the war with Russia since its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Speaking to France 2 TV, he added that “a large number of people” remain officially missing, with the true figures likely higher due to ongoing uncertainty and the sensitivity of casualty reporting.
US envoys, including Jared Kushner, held peace talks in Abu Dhabi with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators. Zelensky said Ukraine aims to remain “as constructive as possible” but wants “faster results.” The talks addressed territorial disputes and prisoner exchanges, with 314 captives released, demonstrating that “sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results,” according to Steve Witkoff.