Syrskyi announces transition to new stage of war against Russia

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi (Photo: president.gov.ua)

Ukrainian military has entered a new stage of warfare against the Russian Federation. Its goal is to exhaust the adversary, states the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, in interview with ZDF.

According to Syrskyi, the main value for Ukraine is the lives of the military, especially those performing combat missions. Syrskyi states that Ukraine cannot afford to neglect the value of the lives of Ukrainians, acting similarly to Russia.

“We have transitioned from offensive actions to conducting a defensive operation. The goal of our operation is to exhaust the enemy, inflict maximum losses on them, using our fortifications, our technical advantages, in terms of unmanned aviation, EW systems, maintaining prepared defense lines,” he says.

Syrskyi notes that this war elevates the importance of technological progress in the armed forces and the progress of armed combat itself.

“We are already seeing, and for us, this is not news, the use of ground robotic platforms. Modules that are remotely controlled, which make it possible to save the lives of military personnel. Thus, the war is entering a new stage,” he says.

Counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

In the summer of 2023, Ukrainian military forces began a counteroffensive in the south and east of Ukraine. The Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to liberate over a dozen settlements in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. However, the main goal of advancing to the Sea of Azov was not achieved.

Currently, Ukrainian military forces are mostly in active defense and, when possible, conducting attacks.

Earlier, the German media outlet Welt stated that Valerii Zaluzhnyi was planning a new counteroffensive. According to experts and journalists, resources may be being gathered for new operations in 2024.

More details about the situation on the front line can be found in the material by RBC-Ukraine.

Appointment of Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

On February 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the decision to dismiss Valerii Zaluzhnyi from the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Instead, Oleksandr Syrskyi was appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief. Rumors about Zaluzhnyi’s resignation emerged at the end of January 2024. Even before that, there were reports online about his possible dismissal.