Ukraine yet to commit bulk of its forces – top commander
The bulk of Ukraine’s forces are not yet
committed to the ongoing counteroffensive, commander of the Ukrainian Ground
Forces, Col.
Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with The Guardian on June 23.
From his command post somewhere in Eastern Ukraine, Syrskyi highlighted that Ukrainian defenders are currently probing enemy defenses for vulnerabilities and that "everything is still ahead."
“Everyone hopes for a quick, decisive victory; we do, too,” said Syrskyi.
“However, we must prepare ourselves for a protracted process, given the extensive forces, technology, and fortifications on both sides. Our main forces have yet to see combat.”
Syrskyi also expressed his gratitude to the UK for supplying Challenger-2 tanks. These tanks, initially used for training, are now being held in reserve. When asked about the size of this reserve, Syrskyi cryptically replied, "it’s a big secret."
The general also reported that Russian forces are making advances around Kreminna, Luhansk Oblast. Furthermore, intense fighting took place recently near the Serebryanske forestry, situated on the border of Donetsk Oblast. Following the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant explosion, Russia has reportedly relocated some of its units, including the 83rd Airborne Assault brigade, from southern Ukraine to Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast.
Syrskyi cautioned against underestimating the enemy, stating that Russians are highly strategic, anticipating the most likely movements of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, and establishing robust defenses that are difficult to penetrate.
Previously, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar had also spoken about the forthcoming stages of the Ukrainian counterattack, suggesting that the main events were yet to unfold, and some reserves from the Ukrainian army would be called upon later.
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