The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has stated that the conflict in Ukraine remains active and is not at a stalemate. He attributed this to significant Russian losses and ongoing offensive operations by Ukrainian forces.
Syrskyi emphasized that the war is dynamic, with territories continuing to change hands throughout 2025. He noted that combat operations are occurring across various fronts, including land, air, and sea. “It is now impossible to speak solely about a land war,” he remarked.
A crucial factor in this assessment is the reported losses sustained by Russia, which Syrskyi claims have surpassed its recruitment levels for the first time in 2025. He stated, “Despite Russia managing to mobilize and draft 406,000 personnel in 2025, its total losses, including killed and wounded, reached approximately 418,000 soldiers.”
While acknowledging that 2025 has been a challenging year for Ukraine, Syrskyi highlighted that the Defense Forces have not only managed to hold the line against the enemy, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction, but have also conducted successful offensive operations.
Notably, Ukrainian advances near Dobropillia and in Kupiansk have contradicted claims made by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the capture of these areas. Syrskyi’s remarks underscore the ongoing volatility of the situation on the ground.
In conclusion, Syrskyi outlined his objectives as long as negotiations are ongoing. He stated, “Until the end of negotiations, my task is to prevent, by any means necessary, the deep advancement of the enemy into our defensive positions and, if possible, to liberate our territory. This will ensure fair negotiations leading to a just peace.”
Ukrainian military leader Oleksandr Syrskyi asserts that the war is far from a stalemate, citing significant Russian casualties and ongoing military operations. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining defensive positions while seeking to reclaim territory as negotiations continue.