Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, held an extended meeting with representatives of Ukrainian and international media, during which he outlined the current situation on the front lines, key challenges for the army, ongoing reforms, and prospects for future operations.
Syrskyi focused in particular on the situation in the Sumy sector. According to him, the Russian force grouping in the area remains at approximately 50,000 troops. However, active Ukrainian operations in the border regions of Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod oblasts have prevented the redeployment of these divisions and brigades to other directions.
He noted that a dedicated group has been formed within the operational-tactical grouping, tasked specifically with the defense of the city of Sumy and the reinforcement of engineering and fortification barriers around the regional center. A deputy commander has been appointed to oversee fortification matters.
Syrskyi stated that Russian offensive actions have been halted along the Kindrativka–Yunakivka line, and the situation has been stabilized. In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces regained control of Andriivka and advanced 200 to 700 meters near Yunakivka.
The Commander-in-Chief also discussed the strengthening of air defenses, the integration of modern technologies, and the ongoing corps reform aimed at optimizing the use of military personnel and increasing the availability of combat-ready reserves.
“We don’t plan to sit in passive defense,” he stressed, emphasizing the importance of creating reserves for future counteroffensive and offensive actions.
A significant part of Syrskyi’s briefing addressed the development of high-tech capabilities, including the prioritization of drones, robotic ground systems, and drone interceptors to counter enemy Shahed drones. Under the DeepStrike initiative, Ukraine is developing both drone and missile strike programs to continue targeting military facilities on Russian territory with increasing scale and depth.
“We will do everything to preserve our soldiers. Our greatest value is the infantryman,” Syrskyi emphasized.
He also acknowledged the concerns raised by journalists regarding media access and safety in combat zones and promised to work jointly on solutions. The shared goal, he said, is clear: strong Armed Forces, a strong Ukraine, and Victory.