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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, at a press conference during the Munich Security Conference, mentioned the heavy losses of Russian military forces in the war in Ukraine, underlining that the perception of Moscow as a "powerful bear" is wrong.
He said Russian forces were suffering heavy losses day by day, citing figures that could have reached 35,000 dead in December and around 30,000 in January, stressing that this shows a heavy cost for Moscow. The figures reflect NATO estimates of Russian losses in the conflict, which Rutte has presented publicly in previous discussions about the ongoing impact of the war on Moscow's forces.
He stressed that despite heavy losses, Russia continues its operations on Ukrainian territory in a manner that does not match the image of absolute strength that Russian propaganda often promotes. Rutte said that the perception of Moscow as an insurmountable superpower is false, and that allies must remain vigilant against propaganda narratives that minimize the reality of the situation on the ground.
In his speech, he also stressed the importance of Ukraine and Western allies not falling into the "trap of Russian propaganda," implying that assessments of strategy and forces should be based on facts and not on Moscow's claims or external interpretations.
New round of talks in Geneva
Meanwhile, Moscow officials have announced that a new round of negotiations between Russia, the United States and Ukraine will be held on February 17 and 18 in Geneva, an effort brokered by Washington to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the Russian delegation to these talks will be led by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who has been involved in previous rounds of dialogue. Ukrainian authorities have also confirmed their participation in the meetings, with the aim of addressing key issues of the conflict, including the status of occupied territories and security guarantees.
The negotiations come as fighting and shelling continue along the front lines as the sides try to overcome major differences over issues such as territory and guarantees after a possible ceasefire. Western officials are using the rounds as an opportunity to advance a diplomatic solution, although challenges remain as the sides have fundamentally different positions on ending the conflict and the terms of peace.
The context of the Munich Security Conference and other reactions
This year's Munich Security Conference has focused heavily on the war in Ukraine and European security challenges, with Western leaders calling for increased military support for Ukraine, strengthening alliance defenses and confronting Russian pressure. Some Western leaders have stressed that the war can only end when Russia feels its military and economic costs, while diplomatic negotiations appear to question Moscow's willingness for real compromise.
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