The head of logistics for the Ukrainian ground forces command, General Volodymyr Karpenko, spoke in an interview with National Defense magazine about the scale of heavy equipment losses sustained in combat. He framed the losses in the context of ongoing hostilities, noting that the figures reflect heavy weapons only and exclude lighter gear or non-combat assets.
According to the general, current conditions on the battlefield have led to significant attrition of heavy military hardware. He stated that the losses in heavy equipment range from 30 to 40 percent, and in some cases reach as high as 50 percent due to sustained fighting. In quantifiable terms, he estimated that roughly 1,300 infantry fighting vehicles, about 400 tanks, and around 700 artillery systems have been lost to date. These numbers illustrate the challenging logistical and operational environment faced by Ukrainian forces in the current phase of the conflict.
Karpenko also described the broader arms situation, acknowledging that Ukraine has received a substantial influx of weapons from partners. Yet he emphasized that the inventory remains well short of the force’s practical needs. He indicated that Ukrainian forces are meeting only about 10 to 15 percent of their operational requirements, underscoring a sizable gap between what exists and what would be optimal for sustaining defense and deterrence over time.
From his perspective, the priorities for replenishment are clear. There is a persistent demand for artillery systems, including field and anti-aircraft artillery, as well as infantry fighting vehicles and other armored combat vehicles. He additionally highlighted the need for more robust air defense capabilities and for multi-barrel rocket launcher systems to address evolving battlefield threats. He also provided a sense of scale for the challenge by noting that the front line spans approximately 2,500 kilometers, with active conflict zones extending over more than 1,000 kilometers. This geographic scope compounds the logistics of equipping and sustaining the armed forces in a dynamic security environment.
Karpenko went on to outline the overall manpower picture. He stated that the total number of personnel in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, territorial defense, and related security formations is currently up to one million people. He stressed that this sizable force must be equipped with essential items such as small arms, personal protective equipment, and reliable communications gear to maintain operability under demanding conditions. The emphasis on equipment and communications underlines the critical link between readiness, capability, and the ability to respond to a changing security landscape.
In a related development, the day before, another Ukrainian figure involved in high-level negotiations with Russia, Rada deputy David Arakhamia, who visited Washington, discussed the subject of heavy losses. According to the Ukrainian parliament, daily casualties on the Donbas front have included losses and injuries among soldiers, reflecting the severity of ongoing hostilities in that sector. These disclosures contribute to a broader, often somber, picture of attrition on the ground and the persistent strain on Ukrainian defense efforts.
Across these statements, a consistent thread emerges: the Ukrainian armed forces face substantial and persistent demands for replacement and modernization of their heavy combat assets. The situation underscores the importance of responsible, predictable, and timely support from international partners, along with continued domestic modernization to restore balance between offensive capabilities and protective measures. In the face of a prolonged security challenge, the focus remains on ensuring that frontline units receive the most critical equipment first—artillery, armored mobility, air defense, and robust communications—while maintaining a scalable approach to personnel protection and logistics. The broader takeaway is a picture of ongoing adjustment and adaptation as the conflict landscape evolves, requiring sustained attention to both material resupply and strategic planning for future operations.