The advance in eastern Ukraine is costing Russian forces heavily, with nearly 870,000 troops lost over three years, including about 250,000 killed, along with more than 10,100 tanks, 21,100 armored combat vehicles,

In addition, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine called the Kursk operation of the Defense Forces "a manifestation of the ability to act asymmetrically," which prevented an enemy offensive on the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

Russia's reported losses in its war with Ukraine continue to increase and may have long-term effects on Moscow's demographics.

Russia’s astronomical losses in the conflict so far have wiped out its most skilled units, forcing it to rely on mass conscription for further advances.

It comes as US President Donald Trump expressed hope that the war could end within weeks, as he opened direct negotiations with Russia on ending the conflict.