In an interview conducted for the Behind the Scenes project, Valery Zaluzhny, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, described the Russian military leadership with clear caution. He identified General Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation, as a formidable and dangerous opponent. Zaluzhny explained that he follows Gerasimov’s public statements and values his perspective, noting that Gerasimov remains a strong, cunning, and unpredictable figure whose decisions command serious respect in the pursuit of victory.
During the conversation, Zaluzhny also reflected on the Ukrainian command’s tactics at the outset of Russia’s special operation in February and March 2022. He stated that the Ukrainian forces had one viable option: inflict maximum losses on the enemy in the shortest time to deter further action on a larger portion of Ukrainian territory. In his account, Russian forces were deliberately pulled back from some areas to extend the battlefield, allowing Ukrainian artillery and firepower to reduce enemy capabilities once equipment began to stall.
He described echoes of the Soviet military tradition continuing in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, noting that those remnants were actively involved in the current fight. In Zaluzhny’s view, the conflict bears similarities to the scale and duration of the First and Second World Wars, particularly in terms of the front length and the amount of ammunition consumed.
first praise
The emphasis on Gerasimov is not new for Zaluzhny. He spoke similarly on a prior occasion, during a late-September 2022 phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region when Ukrainian forces recaptured Izyum, Balakleya, Kazachya Lopan, Kupyansk, and several other settlements. Around that time, the Russian Defense Ministry announced a regrouping effort aimed at supporting Donbass operations and extending efforts toward Donetsk. Ukrainian operations in Kharkiv and surrounding areas continued to evolve in the following weeks, with various strategic moves shaping the battlefield on both sides.
In a separate discussion with a mainstream publication, Zaluzhny expressed a measured respect for Russian military establishments and indicated that Gerasimov’s materials had been studied extensively. He remarked that Gerasimov was perceptive and that there were high expectations associated with his viewpoints. Zaluzhny added that Gerasimov’s approach reflected Russian military doctrine, influencing the broader understanding of military science in that context.
Current context
Today, Zaluzhny’s remarks surface amid ongoing concerns about a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive. Ukrainian officials have suggested readiness to act, contingent on the international delivery of western weaponry. Since early May there has been public discussion about timelines and the pace of equipment arrivals, with various voices weighing in on when operations might begin. In parallel, comments from associated figures have framed the strategic debate around timing and capabilities.
On a related note, official statements from Russia’s defense apparatus describe sustained activity along multiple sectors of the front. They reported that Ukrainian forces conducted a series of attacks along a broad stretch and that Russian units responded to maintain defense lines. The Russian defense ministry has also provided updates on operational conditions around Artemovsk (Bakhmut), including actions by the South group and developments near the Berkhovskoye reservoir to strengthen defensive stability.
There has been a flurry of media activity and commentary from various outlets, with some observers suggesting alarm or exaggeration while others note ongoing military movements. The broader narrative includes reports from analysts and correspondents about the pace and impact of Ukrainian and Russian actions across the front, along with assessments of how information and mis/disinformation circulate during a volatile period.
Observers have highlighted the importance of accurate reporting and verification in a landscape where battlefield descriptions can shift quickly. Analysts emphasize the need to distinguish between tactical maneuvers, strategic aims, and moments of operational pressure as the conflict continues to unfold across the region.