According to Syrskyi, the Bakhmut front has been a particular locus for Russian activity and the direction of their primary efforts on the eastern front. To achieve their goals, the Russian military has been deploying airborne troops, marine infantry, and penal slave brigades "Storm Z" and "Storm V" for assault operations, Syrskyi noted.
The commander highlighted that the enemy's clear objective in this direction is to advance towards Chasiv Yar, Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk — ultimately aiming to reach the borders of Donetsk Oblast.
On the Lyman front, the general revealed that Russian forces have shifted to conduct continuous attacks on defense positions in the directions of Makiivka and Terniv. Additionally, combat operations are ongoing on the Siversk front.
Acknowledging the challenging situation, Syrskyi said that Ukrainian forces are compelled to confront the enemy's advantage in both armament and personnel. However, he added that Ukraine’s strategists are aware of this disparity and are continuously monitoring the situation, analyzing the enemy's actions and forces, and make effective decisions to strengthen Ukraine's defenses.
"Some decisions regarding ways to destroy the enemy were made directly in the combat zones," he added.
Despite these adversities, Syrskyi highlighted that Ukrainian forces have successfully held the line and are eliminating a significant amount of Russian troops on all three fronts.
The general reported that, during the first half of December, over 500 units of enemy materiel had been destroyed or damaged, including 67 tanks, over a hundred combat armored vehicles, and 77 artillery pieces and mortars of various calibers.
He noted that, unlike the Russians, Ukrainian forces prioritize success through thoughtful planning of combat actions and the effective use of artillery, mortars, strike drones, and small arms – instead of mass assaults.
"The most valuable thing for us is the lives of our soldiers,” he stated.
“Minimizing losses is always a priority during operational planning,”