Edith HejbergGeneral Oleksandr Syrsky, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, has issued a stark warning: Ukraine must ramp up its own mobilization efforts in the face of a dramatic surge in Russian troop formations.
Speaking after a strategic review in July, Syrsky emphasized that Kyiv has “no other choice” but to act swiftly, as Moscow accelerates its war preparations.
Russia Adds Ten New Divisions—Two Already Deployed
According to Syrsky, Russia plans to create ten new military divisions by the end of the year, two of which are already operational.
Despite suffering massive casualties, over 33,000 soldiers lost in July alone, Moscow replenishes its ranks with roughly 9,000 new troops each month, keeping pressure on Ukrainian defenses.
“Death by a Thousand Cuts”: Russia’s Relentless Tactics
The Kremlin’s strategy has shifted toward relentless attrition. Small, repeated assault groups are being sent across nearly the entire frontline to chip away at Ukrainian positions.
Syrsky labeled it a “death by a thousand cuts” approach, designed to exhaust both manpower and morale.
Most Intense Fighting in Donetsk Region
Some of the heaviest combat is now centered in the Pokrovsk, Dobropillia, and Novopavlivka sectors.
These areas are experiencing near-constant Russian advances. Ukrainian forces, stretched thin, continue to resist wave after wave of assaults, often with limited resources.
Glimmers of Progress in the Northeast
Amid the pressure, Ukrainian troops have achieved notable gains in the northeast, particularly in the Sumy region near the Russian border.
Advances toward Slobodzhanshchyna and even the outskirts of Russia’s Kursk region show Ukraine’s resilience and strategic counter-moves.
Ukraine’s Daily Casualties Outpace Mobilization
Military analyst and volunteer tech supporter Maria Berlinska shared sobering statistics: Ukraine is currently losing up to 300 soldiers killed and around 750 wounded each day. In contrast, only about 500 new troops are mobilized daily.
Mobilization Gap Could Worsen Frontline Strain
With an estimated 46,500 soldiers lost per month, Ukraine’s recruitment pipeline cannot keep pace with battlefield attrition.
This imbalance threatens to strain units already locked in high-intensity fighting, especially as Russia shows no signs of slowing down its reinforcements.
Internal Army Reforms Still Underway
General Syrsky also reaffirmed that internal reforms are moving ahead within the Ukrainian armed forces.
The focus is on enhancing unit cohesion, combat readiness, and technological efficiency, particularly the growing importance of drone warfare.
Drones a Key Component of Future Defense
As conventional resources dwindle, Ukraine is increasingly turning to drones for both surveillance and attack roles.
Syrsky highlighted the urgent need to further strengthen this aspect of the military, citing its value in compensating for manpower shortages and improving battlefield intelligence.
National Unity and Determination Remain Vital
Despite the grim statistics, Syrsky struck a resolute tone: “Our common task is to prevent the enemy from achieving its objectives,” he stated.
He emphasized that Ukrainians know the challenges ahead and are committed to doing their duty in defense of their homeland.
