The purpose of the Kursk operation, the short period of training of recruits: Commander-in-Chief Sirskyi gave the first television interview to CNN

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi in his first television appearance interview in his position for CNN, he spoke in detail about the key aspects of military operations, the situation at the front and the training of Ukrainian recruits. Here are the main theses from the interview.

Kursk operation

According to Sirskyi, before the start of the offensive of the Armed Forces, Russia was preparing a new attack on Ukraine from the Kursk region. The successful conduct of the operation reduced the threat of a new offensive by the Russian Federation, making it possible to transfer hostilities to enemy territory. The main goals of the operation were to prevent the use of Kursk as a bridgehead for Russian attacks, to divert enemy forces from other directions, to create a safe zone and to prevent shelling from the territory of the Russian Federation. Syrskyi also noted that Russian soldiers were captured as part of the operation, which had a positive effect on the morale of Ukrainian defenders.

The situation in Donbas

The defense forces of Ukraine managed to stop the advance of Russian troops in the Pokrovsky direction. In the last six days, the Russians have not advanced a single meter. The strategy of the Armed Forces forced the enemy to remain without the possibility of maneuver and reinforcement from other directions. The intensity of artillery shelling has also decreased, which indicates the effectiveness of Ukraine’s defense tactics.

Balance of power

Oleksandr Syrskyi noted that Ukraine is inferior to Russia in the amount of equipment and weapons, but this forced the Ukrainian forces to adapt and become more resourceful. The use of terrain, engineering structures and high technologies, such as drones and Ukrainian weapons, allow Ukraine to successfully confront the enemy even in difficult conditions.

Mobilization and training of recruits

Sirsky noted that the main priority remains the increase in the number of fighters. He admitted that the period of preparation of the military before going to the front is shorter than desired. Recruits undergo one month of basic training, followed by two to four weeks of specialized training.

“Of course, everyone wants the level of training to be the best, so we are training highly qualified professional soldiers. At the same time, the dynamics at the front require us to send new soldiers into service as soon as possible.”, said the commander-in-chief.

Military assistance and support of partners

Delays in the provision of military aid from partners had a negative impact on hostilities, causing certain difficulties at the front. However, support remains an important part of Ukraine’s defense strategy.

Personal experience and mutual understanding with fighters

Syrsky emphasized that he is often on the front lines and spends time with the military. He said that he has been a part of this war since 2014, so he understands well the problems of soldiers and officers:

“We speak the same language. The front is my life and I know all the challenges our military faces”, – explained with a head.