Russia has increased the size of its force grouping to about 710,000 personnel in order to conduct a strategic offensive operation.
This was reported by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, during the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the “Ramstein” format).
“To conduct a strategic offensive operation, the enemy has built up its forces to approximately 710,000 personnel. Despite significant losses, the Russian army has not abandoned its offensive actions, although it has not achieved any substantial operational success,” Syrskyi noted.
He cited examples of effective actions by Ukrainian forces. In particular, thanks to active search-and-strike operations, Ukrainian units pushed the Russian forces back from Kupiansk and regained control of nearly 90% of the city’s territory.
Syrskyi also focused on the situation in the Pokrovsk direction, where Russian troops have been trying to seize the city for more than 17 months, concentrating significant forces there.
“Ukrainian units are holding the defense and seizing the initiative. As a result of counteroffensive actions, control over 16 square kilometers in the northern part of the city (Pokrovsk – ed.) has been restored,” he said.
According to him, the Defense Forces have also recaptured 56 square kilometers of territory in the areas of the settlements of Hryshyne, Kotlyne, and Udachne west of Pokrovsk.
Syrskyi emphasized that Ukraine is simultaneously increasing pressure on the Russia deep inside its territory by striking critical infrastructure facilities in Russia using Deep Strike capabilities.
“As a result of these strikes, Russia’s direct and indirect losses since the beginning of the year amount to a total of USD 21.5 billion,” he informed.
The Commander-in-Chief stressed that amid Russia’s buildup of forces, external support for Ukraine is critically important, and he called on partners to increase the volume of international military assistance—primarily to strengthen air and missile defense as well as long-range strike capabilities.
