Russian Offensive Loses Steam Due to Colossal Losses
Commander Syrsky reveals important details
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, sat down for an interview with Ukrinform, shedding light on crucial frontline information. This interview provided a wealth of insights, prompting me to compile a list of key takeaways.
It effectively addresses many of our lingering questions.
How Did Ukraine Stop the Russians from Advancing Further?
The theater-wide advance the Russians attempted since their victory in Avdiivka did not lose its momentum because Ukraine’s artillery situation improved. They are still struggling, but the Russians paid an extraordinarily heavy price for taking control of Avdiivka and Marinka. These twin victories drained a huge amount of Russia’s combat power. This, coupled with Ukraine retreating to well-defended secondary lines, helped Ukraine halt the Russian forces.
Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: “The experience of the past months and weeks shows that the enemy has significantly increased the activity of aviation, uses anti-aircraft missiles — guided air bombs that destroy our positions. In addition, the enemy conducts dense artillery and mortar fire. Until a few days ago, the enemy’s advantage in terms of ammunition fired was about 6:1.
But we learned to fight not by the amount of ammunition, but by the skill of using the weapons that are available. In addition, we make the most of the advantages of unmanned aircraft. Although the enemy is trying to catch up with us in this effective weapon.
In February-March of this year (as of March 26), the enemy lost more than 570 tanks, about 1,430 armored combat vehicles, almost 1,680 artillery systems and 64 air defense systems. At the same time, the Defense Forces of Ukraine keep the main heights and defense areas under control. Our goal is to prevent the loss of our territory, to exhaust the enemy as much as possible, to inflict the greatest possible losses on him, to form and prepare reserves for offensive actions”.
Ukraine’s reserve strength has improved
I don’t believe it has reached the level that would enable Ukraine to feel comfortable about rotating troops across the entire frontline. Their mobilization bill is still in the works. The Ukrainian armed forces never had a proper plan in place to rotate troops out of the frontline.
The 110th combat brigade was stationed in Avdiivka since the beginning of the war, which was a significant operational mistake. However, that policy has now been discarded. According to the commander, Ukraine has begun rotating troops from the frontline. This is an extremely important decision that will help preserve the combat capacity of frontline troops.
Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: The most valuable asset of our Armed Forces is its people. Our task is to protect their lives and at the same time inflict maximum losses on the enemy.
The implementation of this principle requires maintaining a balance between the execution of combat missions and the restoration of military units and units. Our people are heroes, but their powers are not limitless, they also need recovery and rest.
Therefore, the process of rotating military units on the front line has already been launched today(March 26th) , which allows us to fully restore the combat capability of not only equipment, but first of all to ensure rest and recovery of our servicemen.
Ukraine lost Avdiivka because of Russia taking control of the sky
Though Western media provided numerous reasons for this defeat, the reality is that Russia gained control of the sky above Avdiivka. Their ability to drop glide bombs into the sector weakened Ukraine’s defenses, which were then exploited by ground forces.
When both sides become locked in a positional stalemate, there is only one way to break the impasse: by seizing control of the sky. Whichever side dominates the skies in a given sector will have the advantage to advance. Of course, ground forces are still necessary to make a breakthrough, but achieving this will only happen after gaining control of the skies.
Ukraine’s decision to request fighter jets is the right one. Many pundits have argued that jets won’t be a game-changer, but they are mistaken. They always will be. The next time someone questions this, ask them to explain how Russia won Avdiivka.
Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: We withdrew our forces from Avdiivka, because the enemy had a significant advantage in the forces and means of assault units. Due to constant bombardment by guided aerial bombs, the integrity of our defense was broken, which gave the enemy the opportunity to gradually advance. The insufficient amount of ammunition for our artillery also played a negative role. This made it impossible to conduct an effective counter-battery fight in such conditions. So, in order to avoid the environment and save people’s lives, I decided to leave Avdiivka.
Ukraine is building up defenses
Finally, Ukraine has decided to supplement its mobile defense strategy with fortified defensive lines. This strategic update to their defensive posture is a great idea. While the Russians have no plans to advance in the south, they do aim to reach the borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Ukraine’s artillery situation is not going to improve from 6:1 to 2:1 overnight. It will take time. This time gap represents an extremely vulnerable period. To minimize their own losses, they require fortified positions. Ukraine has not really implemented this strategy since the start of the war. Although there were trenches and minefields, they were never built on a large scale.
I don’t believe the Ukrainians will construct something similar to what the Russians have done in Southern Ukraine. However, they will build defensive lines to protect highly strategic locations.
Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: Currently, the preparation of powerful defense lines is underway on almost all threatening directions.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine keep the main heights and defense areas under control. Our goal is to prevent the loss of our territory, to exhaust the enemy as much as possible, to inflict the greatest possible losses on him, to form and prepare reserves for offensive actions.
Ukraine will continue its attacks on Black Sea Fleet
I have no idea why I keep thinking that one day Ukraine will stop attacking the Black Sea Fleet. This has been a nagging worry in my head. Maybe I am thinking that Ukraine will ease off the gas in the Black Sea, considering they have already inflicted heavy losses on the Russian navy.
It is crucial to maintain that pressure. Offense is the best form of defense in the Black Sea. According to the Commander, Ukraine will not cease its attacks on the Black Sea Fleet. Take a look at the following image. This would have never happened without forcing the Russian navy out of Crimea.
Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: We are changing tactics at sea as well. Attacks by unmanned drones on enemy ships are so effective that it makes it possible to talk about changes in the strategy of combat operations at sea in general. We are purposefully destroying the Russian Black Sea Fleet. And we will continue to do it. The latest destruction of several ships in Sevastopol is just one more confirmation of this.
Russian Propaganda in Avdiivka
After the loss of Avdiivka, some Western publications stated that hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers were unaccounted for. Russia’s propaganda machine went into overdrive to capitalize on that news. I had no idea what to believe and what not to believe. Thankfully, that news died down on its own.
However, those numbers were overblown.
Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: So, in order to avoid the environment and save people’s lives, I decided to leave Avdiivka.
Unfortunately, during these battles, 25 Ukrainian servicemen were captured by the Russians. This is war… Russian propagandists are trying to use various videos with captured Ukrainian soldiers to discredit the Defense Forces of Ukraine, psychological pressure and spreading panic among Ukrainians.
You can read the full interview of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Syrsky here
