The situation on Ukraine’s frontlines remains challenging, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi. Ukrainian troops are focusing on holding back Russian forces and stabilizing the most threatened areas, including Lyman, Pokrovsk, Dobropillia, and Novopavlivka, while inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.
During a review of the military’s performance in September, Syrskyi said Russian forces suffered around 28,500 casualties over the month.
“Our defense is active,” he said, noting that Ukrainian troops are continuing a counteroffensive on the Dobropillia front.
He credited Air Assault units, assault regiments, and other defense forces with stopping and pushing back Russian troops, who had aimed to capture the entire Donetsk region at the start of autumn.
Looking ahead, Syrskyi warned of new challenges. Over the past month, Russian forces have increased their use of air-attack systems by 30%.
“While Ukraine’s air defenses remain around 74% effective, we need to do more to protect energy facilities, critical infrastructure, and logistics in the rear,” he said.
The commander also highlighted Ukraine’s successes under the DeepStrike programme. Last month, Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory reached 70 confirmed hits, targeting fuel production, explosives, and other parts of Russia’s military-industrial complex. Oil refining in Russia, he said, has dropped by 21% as a result.
Syrskyi outlined ongoing reforms and modernization efforts in Ukraine’s military. A new branch of unmanned air-defense systems is being developed within the Air Force, the assault troops system is being improved, and a Cyber Forces command is being formed. Meanwhile, certain operational staffs have been disbanded and their functions reassigned to newly organized groupings of forces. The Joint Forces Command will also oversee a key sector of the front with its subordinate army corps.
