Ukraine's New Army Chief Uncovers Improved Strategy of Defense To 'Exhaust' Russian Forces

Ukraine's newly-appointed top military chief has declared that he will adopt a new strategy of defense to 'exhaust' Russian forces instead of an attack.

Western leaders expressed concern over the dismissal of former chief commander Gen. Zaluzhnyi and the appointment of Gen. Syrskyi amid the ongoing conflict.

Syrskyi Reveals New Strategy of Defense

(Photo : GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images)
Ukrainian servicemen of the Skala battalion take part in a field military exercise in the Donetsk region on February 3, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, described the situation as 'difficult' but expressed optimism that the fighting would soon end.

"At this time, the situation can be assessed as difficult," Gen. Syrskyi said in an interview with the German TV channel ZDF. "The enemy is now advancing along almost the entire front line, and we have moved from offensive operations to conducting a defensive operation.

He added that the objectives of their defense operation were to exhaust the enemy's forces and inflict maximum losses on him, using their fortifications, technological advantages, unmanned aircraft, electronic warfare tools, and well-maintained defense lines.

Shortly after President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed him to the position, Gen. Syrskyi made statements supporting the Ukraine president's desire for different strategies to end the war.

According to Africanews, two of the biggest issues facing the Ukrainian military are a lack of personnel and a deficiency of Western weapons, including ammunition.

He declared his priorities for handling the war on February 9, when his predecessor, Gen. Zaluzhnyi, was removed from office as the chief of commander. He mentioned "a clear and detailed planning," which considered the requirements of front-line forces in newly supplied allied armament and "new technical solutions."

It comes as the US Senate approved a $60 billion aid plan for the war-torn nation. Zelensky said, "For us in Ukraine, continued US assistance helps to save human lives from Russian terror. It means life will continue in our cities and triumph over war."

Tension Between Zelensky, Zaluzhnyi

Reports circulated that there had been months of persistent tension between Gen. Zaluzhnyi and the Ukrainian president. The top military commander declined to resign, though Zelensky denied these allegations.

The Ukrainian military's much-heralded counterattack last year was mainly seen as failing to meet expectations.

Gen. Zaluzhnyi has served as Ukraine's commander-in-chief since July 2021. He continued to be a known figure in the country with strong support from the general public and the rank-and-file Ukrainian military.

According to Gen. Syrskyi, the war with Russia must end with Ukraine securing its borders, and other options "won't be considered."

Furthermore, he said to ZDF when asked why he hoped Ukraine could end the conflict soon, "This is based on the fact that we must end it reaching our borders." He continued that other options were not considered, and they had no other way out, which means society must rally for victory.