Oleksandr Syrskyi was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army a year ago. He outlined eight key priorities for his work at the helm of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
This was reported by Syrskyi on Facebook.
He recalled that a year ago, Ukrainian forces were engaged in a difficult defense of Avdiivka, with some units nearly encircled. One of his first decisions was to order an organized withdrawal from the city, which had been devastated by artillery and guided aerial bombs (GABs).
On the anniversary of his appointment, the Commander-in-Chief named eight priorities for his work.
Priority 1 - Preserving Lives
Syrskyi stated that the AFU has developed and implemented a comprehensive program called Preserving Soldiers’ Lives. The key aspects of this program include army modernization, improved training for Ukrainian defenders, and enhanced medical care at all stages. A crucial factor in its implementation is the role of unit commanders, who bear the greatest responsibility for safeguarding their personnel.
Priority 2 - Strike from Afar
According to Syrskyi, in 2024 alone, Ukraine deployed over 1.3 million drones to the front lines. It became the first country in the world to establish a separate Unmanned Systems Force. The AFU has expanded existing legendary drone units such as Magyar’s Birds, Achilles, and K-2, while also advancing robotic platforms and ground and naval drone capabilities.
Over the past year, Ukrainian drones have successfully struck more than 461,000 targets. The artillery shell ratio, which was about 1:10 in Russia’s favor a year ago, has now improved to nearly 1:2. This progress was partly achieved by systematically destroying Russian artillery. In a year, the AFU eliminated around 13,050 Russian artillery systems—compared to 8,400 in the previous two years combined.
Priority 3 - Prepare to Win
Syrskyi emphasized the ongoing improvements in training for Ukrainian soldiers. The duration of basic general military training has been extended to 1.5 months, allowing for an expanded curriculum that includes modern elements such as electronic warfare (EW) and drone operations.
There are discussions about further extending basic training to two months. Additionally, instructor training is being enhanced.
"We successfully conducted an experiment with training on the rear bases of combat brigades. Furthermore, I insist on providing a 14-day adaptation course within military units after basic training, before engaging in combat operations," Syrskyi stated.
For the first time, training on foreign-made weapons and military equipment is now being conducted in Ukraine rather than abroad, significantly reducing costs and time. This became possible due to an increase in the number of foreign-trained Ukrainian instructors.
Additionally, Ukraine has increased the domestic training of key specialists such as snipers, sappers, and combat medics.
Priority 4 - Russia in Flames
Ukraine continues to increase its strikes on military targets within Russian territory. Syrskyi stressed that military units, arsenals, storage depots, defense industry facilities, and oil refineries supplying Russian forces will remain under attack as long as Moscow’s aggression continues.
Ukraine's DeepStrike capabilities have extended up to 1,700 km inside Russian territory. Over the past year, 377 military targets in Russia have been struck.
The Ukrainian Air Force and other defense units have destroyed 9,200 aerial targets of various types, which is 2.4 times more than in 2023 (3,798).
Priority 5 - Unconventional Tactics Beyond Defense
Syrskyi emphasized that Ukraine is capable of counterattacking, striking, and pushing back the Russian forces. This was demonstrated in the defense of Kyiv, the Kharkiv offensive, the liberation of the right bank of the Kherson region, and the Kursk operation.
"We created a buffer zone in the Kursk region, disrupting the Russia's plan to launch a new offensive on Sumy and Kharkiv. This operation also helped ease pressure on certain front-line sectors," he stated.
In six months of combat on Russian territory, Russian forces have suffered over 47,000 casualties, including 19,000 killed—mostly among their most well-trained troops. The operation also dealt a severe blow to North Korean mercenary units fighting for Russia.
During this campaign, 924 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner, boosting Ukraine's ability to secure prisoner exchanges. Some Ukrainian servicemen, who had been in captivity since spring 2022, have been freed as a result.
"The formation of new mechanized brigades allowed fresh units to take part in the Kursk offensive. This enabled us to withdraw three airborne assault brigades from Donetsk for rest and rearmament—allowing us to hold hundreds of square kilometers of Russian territory for over six months," Syrskyi added.
Priority 6 - Adapting to Win
A year ago, an audit of military units and command structures, including the General Staff, was initiated. As a result, several military structures were disbanded or reduced, eliminating redundancy and improving efficiency.
This allowed for redeploying personnel to frontline operational and tactical commands. Around 70,000 servicemen were reassigned to combat zones due to reductions in support and security units.
Priority 7 - Expanding Capabilities
Over the past year, the AFU has strengthened its combat potential, preventing Russian breakthroughs despite an increase of 140,000 Russian troops along the front lines.
Ukraine has also significantly improved its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. A new EW battalion has been formed, along with over 100 EW companies within brigades and EW units within battalions.
A specialized EW Training Center has been established. The military has also launched the Iceberg EW management system and deployed 83 new EW systems, enhancing the "Pokrova" EW subsystem.
"We have increased our fighter jet coverage with the introduction of F-16 aircraft. Our air defense is also being strengthened with Mirage 2000 multirole fighters, provided by our French partners," Syrskyi noted.
Priority 8 - Unity is Our Strength
Syrskyi emphasized the importance of unity and resilience, stating that he regularly visits frontline troops and collaborates with them on new battlefield solutions.
"I know they are exhausted. For many, this war has lasted almost 11 years. The past three years—without rest, in constant battle. Are there problems? Yes. But we are aware of these challenges and are doing everything possible to overcome them," he concluded.
