Former Kyiv commander General Syrskyi has told the BBC that Russia's capacity to conduct offensive operations is "broken", in his first public interview since being forced from his post.
Syrskyi — who until recently served as Ukraine's top general in the field — spoke about the future course of the war and gave his assessment of Russian forces. The interview is the first time he has addressed the media since his removal from command, a change that has drawn interest both inside Ukraine and abroad.
If Syrskyi's appraisal is accurate, it would mark a significant shift in battlefield dynamics, potentially affecting how Kyiv and its international partners plan military support and operations. The former commander framed his comments in the context of the wider conflict, discussing the implications for Ukraine's next steps, though the BBC summary did not detail specific recommendations he made.
Syrskyi's appearance comes amid continued fighting and renewed scrutiny of Ukraine's military leadership. Observers say statements from senior officers, particularly those speaking publicly after leaving command, will be closely watched for indications of both battlefield conditions and the direction of Kyiv's strategy going forward.
The interview, broadcast by the BBC, provides the most comprehensive public comments from Syrskyi since his departure from the post and is likely to prompt further attention to the state of forces on both sides and the prospects for the conflict's next phase.