Russia's offensive ability is broken, Kyiv's former top general tells BBC
Summary
Ukraine's former top general, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Ukraine has stopped Russia from advancing by causing heavy Russian losses. He disagreed with critics and explained tensions that led to his firing, highlighting Ukraine's use of drones and new strategies in the war.Key Facts
- Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi was Ukraine’s commander-in-chief until fired in summer 2026 after disagreements with defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- Syrskyi claims Russia's war dead total up to 11 times more than Ukraine’s, but neither side officially confirms casualty numbers.
- UK intelligence estimates Russia has lost about 500,000 soldiers since 2022; US think tanks estimate Ukraine lost up to 150,000 troops by mid-2026.
- Ukraine has stabilized the front line and limited Russian gains to 61 square kilometers in the first half of 2026.
- Syrskyi criticized Fedorov for focusing too much on drones and neglecting other important military equipment like trucks and motorbikes.
- Ukraine was the first to create a separate Unmanned Systems Forces branch, and drones are responsible for 80% of Russia’s losses in the war, according to Syrskyi.
- Syrskyi led successful defense and counteroffensives early in the war but was seen as "old school" by some critics.
- The front line is currently in a stalemate, with reports confirming Russia lost more territory in September 2026 than it gained.
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