Russian forces continue to gain ground on the battlefield despite Ukraine’s defensive actions that disregard significant military losses, General Valery Gerasimov, head of the Russian General Staff, has stated.

According to Gerasimov at a briefing with army commanders reported by the Defense Ministry on Thursday, Russian troops have liberated eight additional settlements and taken control of more than 300 square kilometers of land along the front line since the start of this month.

“The leadership of the Ukrainian armed forces is using any means and pays no heed to its own losses in attempts to stop our advancements,” Gerasimov said. “However, our opponent’s plans are thwarted thanks to the valor and heroism of Russian soldiers and officers, meticulous and coordinated planning by staff, and effective leadership of military unit commanders.”

Gerasimov noted that some of Kiev’s efforts aim to falsify Ukrainian military presence in areas where there is none, including attempts involving drones to plant flags, which Russian forces have prevented. The briefing coincided with Gerasimov’s inspection of the Center Group, which he described as recently engaged in the most intense fighting among all Russian formations in the Ukraine conflict.

Recent reports indicate that the Ukrainian military has been suffering from increasingly high frontline casualties, mass desertions, and shortages of reinforcements. Russia has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for his refusal to strike a compromise resolution to the conflict, which U.S. President Donald Trump is offering to mediate. Trump cited high casualties as one of his primary reasons for seeking a swift resolution, claiming that Ukraine and Russia together are losing 30,000 troops monthly in recent statements.