Explains What's Behind Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Syrsky's First Decision

There were changes in the tactics of the Ukrainian forces.

Exactly a week ago, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Oleksandr Syrsky Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine instead of Valery Zaluzhny.

Charter97.org interviewed the political expert Oleksandr Musienko, the head of the Ukrainian Center for Military and Legal Studies. The expert speaks about the changes in the tactics of the Ukrainian forces.

— What are the advantages of Oleksandr Syrsky as a military leader?

— Syrsky's advantages: significant experience, professionalism, he was often directly at the front in the area of active hostilities. The new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine understands the needs of the front and correctly assesses the situation.

We can say that he came from the front, managing combat operations and coordinating them. He is well informed about the situation, perfectly understands the developments, challenges and threats there. He also knows what needs to be done and where to go.

Syrsky is the person who always tries to improve his knowledge, studies the existing experience and adapts it to Ukrainian realities. He reads lots of books.

Plus, he spends a lot of time analyzing what was happening, determining what could have been done differently, how to improve and what went wrong. That is, he corrects mistakes. Analytically and with great deliberation deals with these issues. He's a strong-willed and active military leader.

As for the decisions, there were changes in the General Staff. A lot of young officers came from the front. Those who began hostilities as captains and majors in 2014. They were sent to the East as battalion commanders, and now they have grown to the level when they enter the General Staff.

These are battle-hardened people who enjoy the authority among personnel. It is very important. The process of change itself is going for the better.

Valery Zaluzhny is an honored person who enjoys great authority and respect among the Ukrainian people. However, it should be understood that now there is a new Commander-in-Chief and new military leadership, which needs to be supported. This is the key to the survival of all of us.

I can say that I do not envy the new Commander-in-Chief, because he has come to a difficult situation, to put it mildly, when Russia continues its offensive. In this situation, we would like more support from partners, supplies of artillery shells and weapons.

In general, the situation is not easy, there are many challenges, but Syrsky is working.

— We know one of the first decisions of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The third assault brigade was deployed to Avdiivka. What can it indicate?

— It is too early to draw conclusions. At the moment, it is not known what goals and objectives are set. On the one hand, we can talk about stabilizing the situation, and perhaps the brigade came to ensure the withdrawal of other forces.

The situation is quite difficult for the Ukrainian troops there. But still it is possible to restrain the attacks of the enemy, their losses are quite serious.

— How can the military tactics of the Ukrainian forces change after the appointment of Syrsky?

— He is committed to maneuvers and bold actions. Oleksandr Syrsky is able to conduct fast, successful and maneuver-oriented offensive operations. In general, he is quite good on the offensive.

But also in defence, as demonstrated by the defence of Kyiv. Objectively, Ukraine will not conduct any offensive actions now. The short-term task is to repel the enemy's attacks.

We see that the Ukrainian command correctly understands and assesses the situation near Kupiansk. This is a very important area that needs to be held.

Nevertheless, I think that even in defence there will be certain features that will be characterized by mobile defence approaches — rapid movements, surprises to quickly transfer troops, appear suddenly and deliver powerful blows to the enemy. This is in the first half of the year.

In the second half of 2024, if everything is stable with support and assistance, I think that we can see a different nature of hostilities. Some local tactical offensive actions. I will emphasize if there are appropriate conditions for this.