The Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, General Valeriy Syrsky, described the situation in the Avdeevsky and Kupyansky directions as very challenging and tense for Ukrainian forces. The update appeared on the military channel on Telegram, reflecting a clear sense of urgency among frontline units.
According to Syrsky, he and Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, conducted a working visit to multiple military formations operating in those high-activity sectors. The purpose was to assess current conditions, consult with command staff, and review operational plans in real time as frontline pressures remain high.
Syrsky noted that Ukrainian forces must carry out defensive operations in these two directions under arduous conditions. The assessment underscores the steady, persistent efforts required to hold the line and to deny the enemy momentum in contested zones along the front.
During the visit, the Ukrainian command discussed a range of measures aimed at strengthening combat capabilities. According to the commander-in-chief, decisions were made to reinforce logistics, improve command and control, and intensify defensive measures based on evolving battlefield dynamics. These steps are part of a broader effort to sustain resilience in difficult areas while preparing for future mobilization and support needs.
On February 13, Umerov and Syrsky held meetings with NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli. The discussions centered on sharing the 2024 military plans and confirming continued cooperation with Western allies. The talks highlighted the interlocking security framework supporting Ukraine and the joint commitment to defense readiness.
On the same day, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the commander-in-chief and the minister had traveled through the front’s critical points, receiving firsthand updates on conditions, troop morale, and ongoing operations. This direct reporting loop helps inform high-level decisions and strategic prioritization as the conflict persists.
Meanwhile, a former colonel of the Security Service of Ukraine noted that Syrsky graduated from one of Moscow’s prestigious military academies. The observation underscores the long-standing training lineage that informs leadership perspectives at the highest levels of Ukraine’s armed forces while not diminishing the ongoing efforts to adapt to Ukraine’s unique strategic needs and evolving security environment.