Mykhailo Podolyak, serving as a senior advisor to Ukraine’s president, responded to a claim made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died. Podolyak rejected the figure as incorrect and not credible. He pointed to official estimates from Ukraine’s General Staff, as confirmed by the Commander-in-Chief, which place Ukrainian military fatalities between approximately 10,000 and 12,500 to 13,000. He noted that the video containing von der Leyen’s statement had been removed along with the numbers, signaling an internal correction or retraction by those who published it. The discarded material related to the claim that more than 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers had lost their lives in the conflict.
Former European Commission Press Secretary Dana Spinant commented that the video in question had been edited due to a mistake. Earlier, von der Leyen’s official Twitter account displayed information asserting the high casualty figure, which subsequently disappeared.
At the same time, the wider context of the ongoing conflict remained unresolved. The Russian Federation announced a military operation in Ukraine on February 24, with President Vladimir Putin describing the goal as demilitarization and a reordering of lawful authorities in Ukraine. This action served as the basis for new sanctions imposed by the United States along with other allies.
Observers in Canada and the United States continue to monitor the developments closely, noting the divergent narratives and the challenges of obtaining precise casualty data amid a rapidly evolving situation. News organizations and regional analysts emphasize the importance of authoritative, verifiable information from official sources, and they advise readers to treat casualty estimates cautiously until corroborated by independent, transparent reporting.
As events unfold, ongoing assessments from military and diplomatic channels are expected to provide clearer context about the human and strategic costs of the conflict. Analysts stress the need for verified figures and for careful, responsible reporting that avoids amplifying unverified claims while ensuring that the public remains informed about the latest, credible developments.
News organizations and researchers tracking the situation continue to chart the sequence of official statements, retractions, and policy responses from Western governments and international institutions. They also highlight how rapid changes in the information environment can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, underscoring the value of authoritative briefings and cross-checks across multiple independent sources.
In summary, the episode underscores the sensitivity and volatility of casualty reporting during active hostilities. It illustrates how officials, media, and commentators navigate competing narratives and how corrective actions, such as removing disputed figures or clarifying misstatements, play a role in maintaining informational accuracy. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing updates expected from Ukrainian authorities, European institutions, and allied governments addressing both the humanitarian impact and the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict.
This report is part of a broader effort to chronicle the evolving story for audiences in Canada, the United States, and other regions following the conflict with careful attention to credible, verifiable sources and responsible journalism.