Ukraine's army chief Syrskyi rejects retirement, backs strikes on Russia

Syrskyi will reach Ukraine’s military retirement age this week, but he dismissed any suggestion of stepping down.

Syrskyi said he “can still do 100 push-ups without a break,” despite aides noting he “rarely—if ever—sleeps.” The general emphasized that his motivation stems from understanding his personal role in protecting Ukrainian citizens.

“I [understand] my personal role in the process of protecting our population, our citizens. And I understand that I have to do more and better,” he said.

Despite years in senior command roles, he feels most comfortable alongside infantry on the front lines, Syrskyi added. 

The Washington Post reported that his aides expect him to spend his 60th birthday at the front, though Syrskyi said it was too early to confirm.

“That’s up to God and my president,” he said with a laugh.

In the interview, Syrskyi also urged U.S. President Donald Trump to allow Ukraine to take the war to Russian territory by providing longer-range missiles and permission to use them against Russia. 

New air defense systems, including U.S.-made Patriot systems, drone interceptors, and light aircraft for countering drones, could disrupt Russian attacks, he said.