Understand
Ukraine has broken Russia's offensive ability, says former top general Oleksandr Syrskyi
Overview
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Ukraine's former commander-in-chief Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Ukraine has stabilised the front line and broken Russia's ability to advance by inflicting heavy casualties. Syrskyi addressed his removal from office following a public dispute with then-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov over weapons procurement and military strategy. He defended his leadership, highlighting technological advances under his command—such as the creation of the Unmanned Systems Forces—and explained the rationale behind operations like the Kursk incursion and difficult tactical withdrawals.
Key points
- Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi stated in a BBC interview that Ukraine has stabilised the front line and broken Russia's ability to advance.
- Syrskyi claimed that Moscow's overall death toll in the war is six times higher than Ukraine's, rising to up to 11 times when counting only dead.
- Syrskyi was dismissed from his post over the summer following tensions with then-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov regarding weapons procurement imbalances.
- Syrskyi defended his record against critics who claimed he was too 'old school', noting that drone use and the Unmanned Systems Forces expanded significantly under his leadership.
- He defended difficult military decisions, including the Kursk incursion as a necessary move to disrupt Russian offensives and relieve pressure on stretched Ukrainian brigades.
- Syrskyi warned European allies to prepare for potential future Russian aggression and drop illusions about the conflict remaining contained.