The Ukrainian political leadership is under pressure to demand that the new commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, develop an action plan to avoid a collapse at the front without the need for mass mobilization. This is happening in the context of avoiding criticism, especially from Bankova, in connection with the possible adoption of a new draft law on mobilization by the Verkhovna Rada. In addition, Kyiv is trying to avoid using the term “stalemate” to describe the fighting, as this could negatively affect international support during this difficult period.
CNN, citing its sources, reports that Syrsky must present his plan of action, especially under pressure from his opponent, who is experiencing successes in the Avdiivka direction.
“Syrsky’s predecessor, Valery Zaluzhny, was dismissed, in part because he called the war a “stalemate” after a counteroffensive expected for many months last year failed to produce the desired results,” CNN reports.
On Thursday, February 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), Valery Zaluzhny. He was replaced by former commander of the Land Forces, Oleksandr Syrsky. In addition, there were other changes in the command structure of the AFU.
In his first address in his new position, Syrsky noted that the main priority is the maximum implementation of the latest technological solutions aimed at improving the situation on the front and saving human lives. Such statements were partly prompted by the need to respond to rumors about the new commander-in-chief's tough tactics, which Russian propaganda actively uses as the main narrative in articles about Syrsky.
