In view of the ever-advancing Russian troops and a front line that has now grown to around 1,200 kilometers, the Ukrainian army is pursuing a new defence strategy, according to its commander-in-chief General Olexandr Syrskyj. “We will no longer simply defend statically,” explained Syrskyj in a press conference. press briefing reported by the Ukrinform news agency. Instead, a combination of mobile defense and targeted attacks will be used.
According to Syrskyj, static defense is no longer an option: “Ultimately, it only leads to us retreating anyway and losing people and territory.” That is why a more active concept is now being pursued: “We attack where possible, we carry out counterattacks,” says Syrskyj. Specialized storm troops have been set up for this purpose and are currently being expanded.
These units – consisting of individual battalions and regiments – were originally formed at the beginning of the offensive near Kursk and are now deployed on several critical sections of the front. Their number is set to grow further, depending on how quickly the new tactics can be implemented.
Objective: To undermine the Russian war of attrition
With the new strategy, Ukraine also wants to escape the war of attrition sought by Moscow. “Russia is trying to wear us down with mass and put us under pressure with its human resources,” says Syrskyi.
According to Ukrainian figures, Russia recruited 440,000 new contract soldiers last year – a decisive advantage in occupying the front, which was extended by 200 kilometers to a total of 1,200 kilometers last year.
