In brief
In a BBC interview Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s former commander‑in‑chief, claims Russia’s offensive ability is shattered because of the disproportionate casualty toll and the rise of drone warfare. He points to a six‑times higher loss of Russian troops and the strategic use of unmanned systems that now account for 80% of Russian losses. Syrskyi also argues that the war will intensify with AI‑enhanced weapons and robots, yet human command remains essential. The former general’s remarks follow his dismissal this summer over clashes with Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
In a candid BBC interview, Oleksandr Syrskyi – Ukraine’s ousted commander‑in‑chief – said the war had reached a “stalemate” for Russia because of the enormous losses it has suffered and the technological edge it now enjoys.
He listed the country’s “six‑fold” casualty toll compared with Ukraine, the rise of drone‑powered strikes – which he says account for 80 % of Russian losses – and the army’s shift to unmanned systems as factors that broke the Russian forward push.
Syrskyi, who was fired this summer after a stand‑off with Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, also condemned claims by some of his former subordinates that soldiers were ordered to hold ground “at all costs,” arguing that withdrawals were unavoidable in the face of superior Russian forces.
He urged European allies to prepare for the “next phase” of the conflict, warning that the war will become even more mechanised with robots, AI‑assistants and active defence systems, but maintains that human leadership remains decisive.
The former general’s remarks come as the Institute for the Study of War notes that Russia has lost more territory than it has gained, a trend that signals a broader shift in the war’s momentum.
