Zelensky cites updated casualty figures amid reports of attacks and recruitment pause

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Fox News that about 50,000 Ukrainian service members have been killed and roughly 400,000 wounded since the war began, and he estimated Russian military casualties at around 1.6 million, including about 700,000 deaths. He said many Ukrainian troops remain missing, adding that he does not wish to disclose details that could aid Russia.

In western Ukraine, an ammunition detonation at a training ground in Khmelnytskyi Oblast injured three Special Operations Forces members and left five others unaccounted for. The incident, which lasted from late morning until evening, prompted a criminal investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation into possible mishandling of weapons.

President Zelensky also announced that Kharkiv brigade commander Ihor Obolienskyi survived an assassination attempt. Acting Security Service chief Oleksandr Poklad said the suspect and accomplices have been detained and legal proceedings are underway.

Newly appointed Ukrainian commander-in-chief Mykhailo Drapatyi reportedly ordered a temporary halt to recruitment for assault regiments, citing media reports of alleged mistreatment and non-combat deaths in certain units. The General Staff later said no formal order had been issued, while an inspection of personnel distribution across the armed forces was announced.

Ukraine’s security services confirmed strikes on a major oil refinery in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast and an aircraft plant in the occupied city of Yevpatoriia, Crimea, on July 31. The Volgograd attack caused a fire and resulted in civilian casualties, according to the regional governor. Ukrainian President Zelensky said the operations targeted logistics centers deep inside Russian territory, though independent verification of damage was not available.